Passengers will soon be using the new departures lounge at Jersey Airport, following a £10 million transformation.
Months of work have seen the first major upgrade in 30 years of the area used by travellers leaving the island.
Described as a celebration of Jersey - complete with woven Jersey cows, ceramic skylarks, aerial photography, Jèrriais, and a Martello tower-inspired lift - Channel 103 has had a first look around.
There are new seats, a mezzanine overlooking the runway, a dedicated family area, and quiet places to work.
Matt Thomas, Chief Executive of Ports of Jersey said:
“We are incredibly excited to welcome passengers into the transformed Departure Lounge.
"It is one of the most visible changes passengers have seen at the Airport for many years and they will notice the difference as soon as they walk into the lounge.
“The vision has been to create a comfortable, practical and easy-to-use space, but also a departure lounge that could only be in Jersey.
"The Island’s landscape, language, heritage and creativity are reflected throughout the lounge, and there is something new and interesting to discover wherever you look.
“This has been a real island effort. We are incredibly grateful for the support from local businesses, community organisations, artists, and contractors that have all helped to shape and deliver the new space. We hope islanders will feel proud of what has been created.”
The transformation was announced in November 2025.
Jersey Airport departures lounge set for 'big' transformation
In February of this year, the Ashbe - contractor that recently restored Jersey Opera House - was chosen to do the work.
Opera House contractor chosen for Jersey Airport redevelopment
The design was shaped with help from islanders and representatives from Jersey’s business, tourism, arts, heritage, accessibility and community sectors.
Those involved included Brighter Futures, Visit Jersey, Durrell, the National Trust for Jersey and ArtHouse Jersey.
Dale Reeson, Managing Director, Jersey Airport, said:
"This is also much more than a refurbishment. Behind the scenes, we have made substantial improvements to the infrastructure that keeps the Airport running, ensuring it is ready to serve the Island for many years to come.
"The work has included upgrades to heating, ventilation, electrical, mechanical and life-safety systems within the terminal building, which opened in 1997."
On Sunday, Ports of Jersey staff got shown the new space.
The new family area is inspired by Plémont Bay, designed with input from Brighter Futures and the families they support.
Ports of Jersey has also worked with the Jersey Airport Accessibility Group, local charities, architects, and specialist designers to make it accessible. with particular focus given to the routes through the lounge, seating choices, lighting, signage, acoustics, flooring, and colour schemes.
Work will continue into 2027, which will include:
- A large restaurant
- Café and bar
- Another shop
- Further seating and toilets
- A new Assisted Travel Lounge
- Other passenger facilities
Mr Thomas added:
"We have created a modern, welcoming space that will make passenger travel experiences better while showcasing the very best of Jersey. This is a proud moment for Jersey Airport and for everyone who has helped to make the transformed Departure Lounge a reality.
"We cannot wait for Islanders and visitors to experience it for themselves."
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