'A glaring gap in consumer protection'

One issue that has recently come to the forefront, and rightly so, is the ongoing problems with flight cancellations and delays affecting Blue Islands customers.

In recent months, many passengers have faced cancelled flights at short notice, leaving them stranded with little or no support. These situations not only cause inconvenience but also financial hardship for families and individuals relying on these essential services.

The root of the problem lies in a glaring gap in consumer protection. Unlike travellers departing from the UK or the European Union, Islanders are not currently protected by regulations like EU261 or UK261. These laws guarantee compensation when flights are delayed or cancelled, ensuring airlines take responsibility for their passengers.

However, because the Channel Islands are outside these jurisdictions, passengers flying inter-island or departing from the Channel Islands bound for the UK are left without a safety net.

We at the Jersey Consumer Council believe this disparity is unacceptable. Islanders deserve the same rights and protections as everyone else. That’s why we have launched a survey to collect detailed feedback from residents about their experiences with flight disruptions with Blue Islands – and we have been overwhelmed with responses in recent weeks.

We want to understand the full impact these issues have on the community – whether it’s financial costs, missed hospital appointments, or other commitments.

Your input will be crucial in helping us build a strong case for extending consumer protection laws to cover the Channel Islands. We will use this evidence to press the government and relevant authorities to implement regulations that offer fair compensation when flights are disrupted, as it seems the governments of both Jersey and Guernsey are more focused on protecting the airline than consumers.

Consumer protection is not a luxury, it’s a necessity – especially in a place like Jersey, where reliable transport links are vital. We urge all Islanders who have been affected by flight cancellations or delays to take part in our survey. Together, we can push for change and ensure airlines are held accountable.

You can complete our survey here.