Netball star worried after Blue Islands folds

Serena Kersten said Team Jets had to rearrange travel for 10 players who were in Exeter

A former England sports star has raised concerns about the impact an airline's collapse could have on athletes from the Channel Islands.

Jersey-based operator Blue Islands said on Friday it had ceased trading and cancelled all its bookings including services to Exeter and Southampton.

Serena Kersten, performance lead for Team Jets Netball Club, said they have been forced to rearrange flights for the members of one of its teams who were playing in a tournament in Exeter on Friday.

As the only operator of flights between Guernsey and Jersey its collapse has also impacted Channel Islands sports teams due to take part in fixtures over the weekend.

Kersten said she was not aware of the issues with Blue Islands until her mother messaged her to tell her about the company folding.

The former England player, who won gold at the 2018 Commonwealth Games, said alternative plans to fly the team of 10 back to Jersey on an EasyJet flight from Gatwick had been sorted out for Sunday.

Kersten said the situation had left her with concerns about the future travel options and affordability for athletes going to and from the island.

"It's quite worrying that we live in an island which is apparently quite affluent and economically strong, but you have to start questioning 'well, are we?'," she said.

'Unfortunate and unforeseen'

Guernsey Football Association said the under-21s Muratti game against Jersey due to be played on Sunday had been postponed.

A Facebook post said: "This decision is a direct consequence of the decision by Blue Islands to suspend all flights and services."

It said all tickets purchased would be valid for any new date arranged for the game and anyone who would rather have a refund should contact them.

Guernsey Hockey Club said the match involving their Ladies Veterans team again Jersey Hockey Club at Les Quennevais, in Jersey, had also been postponed.

The team had been due to travel on Saturday.

"Due to the unfortunate and unforeseen news of Blue Islands this game will no longer be going ahead," Guernsey Hockey said on Facebook.

"We hope to rearrange for later in the season."