Cheaper flights 'spark surge in demand'

More people are flying between Guernsey and Jersey after a sharp jump in demand last month, Guernsey States-owned airline Aurigny says.

The airline reported a 32% rise in passengers on the inter‑island route, carrying 5,574 people in February, compared with 4,235 a year earlier.

It was the strongest performance on the route in three years and came after Aurigny became the sole operator of the route at the start of 2026, bosses said.

The airline has pushed cheaper fares, with one‑way tickets starting at £49.99 and most return trips costing under £100. Before Aurigny took over, many passengers were paying close to £200 for a return journey.

The lower prices appeared to have opened the door for more weekend trips, family visits and quick getaways that were previously out of reach for many islanders, said the airline.

Aurigny has also been rolling out new promotions aimed at boosting travel between the islands. February included a £59 return day‑trip offer for weekend travel that helped groups of friends plan last‑minute outings.

A half‑term Kids Fly Free deal attracted families looking for an affordable school holiday break without having to leave the Channel Islands.

Philip Saunders, Aurigny's chief commercial officer, said: "An increase of 32% in passenger numbers is a powerful endorsement of our approach to grow the market between Guernsey and Jersey.

"We very much look forward to working together with all our partners across the bailiwicks to build on this momentum for the social and economic wellbeing for all Channel Islanders."

Zoe Gosling, lead marketing officer for Visit Guernsey, said: "We welcome the news of an increase in passengers on Aurigny's Jersey route.

"It is encouraging to see the uptake on this inter-island service, making it easier and more cost-effective for islanders and visitors to travel between the islands."

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