Aurigny and Loganair step in to rescue passengers

Airlines have stepped in to offer “rescue flights” for Blue Islands passengers after the company’s collapse.

The Jersey-based operator, which employed about 100 staff, announced on Friday it had ceased trading and cancelled all bookings.

Aurigny and Loganair have said they are putting on extra flights to their schedules to help Blue Islands customers.

Loganair said it was putting on flights from Jersey to Guernsey, Exeter, Bristol and Southampton along with Guernsey to Southampton from Sunday, while Aurigny has added flights for the Southampton to Guernsey and Guernsey to Jersey routes “initially until Wednesday”.

Both airlines said special fares were being put on the flights to assist passengers who needed to travel on any of the affected routes.

A Loganair statement said: “We understand this will be a worrying time for those hoping to travel to and from Jersey and in response we’re starting operations from Sunday 16 November.”

An Aurigny spokesperson said the airline was “deeply saddened” about Blue Islands ceasing trading.

“Following the announcement that Blue Islands has entered administration, Aurigny is taking immediate action to assist Blue Islands customers across the Channel Islands,” the spokesperson added.