Travellers across the UK and Channel Islands were left stunned on Friday after regional carrier Blue Islands suddenly collapsed, cancelling all flights with no warning.

The airline — a familiar name for anyone flying between Jersey and the UK — announced it had ceased trading after 22 years in the air. On its website, the company urged passengers not to head to the airport unless they already had another way to travel.

The news comes at a worrying time for regional aviation. Just last month, Eastern Airways also halted all flights amid fears it, too, could close. For many islanders, the back-to-back losses feel like a growing threat to essential travel links.

Blue Islands, based in Guernsey, operated five ATR-72 aircraft and served as a vital connection between Jersey and several English cities. Its announcement was brief and blunt: all future flights are cancelled, and customers should stay put unless they’ve arranged alternatives.

“We deeply regret the inconvenience that this will bring to your travel plans,” the statement read. Passengers who booked through the airline’s partner, Aurigny, were told to contact the carrier directly, as some codeshare flights may still run. Those who booked via holiday companies or travel agents were advised to reach out for next steps.

Jersey’s Treasury Minister, Elaine Millar, said she was “saddened” by the shutdown and expressed sympathy for staff who suddenly found themselves without jobs. “My immediate thoughts are with the people whose jobs have been affected and the passengers whose travel will be disrupted,” she said, adding that support is ready for Jersey-based employees.

Millar also reassured residents that the government is already working with an alternative airline to secure long-term, reliable air links for the island.

In a bit of good news, Loganair — the UK’s biggest regional airline — announced it will start running replacement flights from Sunday to help stranded passengers get where they need to go. Photo by Aleks B., Wikimedia commons.