Jersey-based airline halts Birmingham flights

Blue Islands said the "stark reduction" in customer choice "is an inevitable consequence of EasyJet’s actions"

A Jersey-based airline has said it will suspend flights to Birmingham over the winter after a competitor started serving the route.

Blue Islands said its Jersey to Birmingham services will be suspended from 2 November, before resuming in March 2025.

Airline bosses said the arrival of EasyJet on the route "comprehensively undermined Blue Islands' ability to serve the route profitably".

EasyJet said: "We are pleased to be able to offer services wherever there is demand for easyJet’s flights, providing competitive fares and choice, which we believe is good for consumers."

Blue Islands said EasyJet offers two flights a week on the route which it started serving during the summer.

'Regrettable'

The Blue Islands spokesperson said: "EasyJet is able to fly between Birmingham and Jersey using aircraft slots left vacant between its core routes on which it earns its keep.

"In contrast, Blue Islands has to recover the full cost of its aircraft and crews employed on the Birmingham route, yet can no longer do so."

The Jersey-based airline's spokesperson added: "It is regrettable that travellers this winter between Birmingham and Jersey will now be left with a choice of only two easyJet flights a week, instead of Blue Islands flights every day.

"This stark reduction in consumer choice is an inevitable consequence of EasyJet’s actions."

"The two business models cannot viably co-exist", the spokesperson added.

Blue Islands took over the route in March 2020 following the collapse of Flybe.

The airline said it will continue to serve the Midlands through its Jersey-East Midlands services, which will operate on a year-round basis.

"We hope that we may be able to welcome some of our Birmingham customers who need regular flights aboard our East Midlands flights," it said.