BLUE ISLANDS RE-CONNECT CHANNEL ISLANDS

Blue Islands will initially operate a day return service on Thursdays from 6 August for day return business travel enabled by the scheme. With additional frequencies being added as demand requires.

There are a number of requirements surrounding the Business Tunnels. Travellers will have to notify the States of Guernsey at least seven days prior to travel using the dedicated Business Tunnels Form. For entry into Jersey, a pre-departure registration form must be completed before your you arrive. Further details can be found below.

Commenting on the limited resumption of inter-island flights, Rob Veron, CEO Blue Islands  said, “We are delighted to be back in the skies connecting Jersey and Guernsey. This initial programme is clearly just a small step back to a regular schedule. However, we are very happy to support the Guernsey Business Tunnel initiative and the consequent economic benefits it should bring to both economies. And we stand ready to resume serving our regular inter-island operations from September. We also welcome the new arrival protocols established by the Government of Jersey earlier this month. It is making a big difference in safely reopening the visitor economy.”

The Minister for Economic Development, Tourism, Sport & Culture, Senator Lyndon Farnham, said, “I would like to thank Blue Islands for their proactive approach to restoring this route. The rigorous testing programme at Jersey’s ports has been a key factor in making this possible and I look forward to the resumption of inter-island links.”

Matt Thomas, Group CEO for Ports of Jersey added, “We are very pleased to see the shortest but one of our most travelled routes back in the schedule. Blue Islands will increase the frequencies as soon as conditions allow, but for now it's great to see Guernsey back on our departure boards."

Deputy Charles Parkinson, President of the Committee for Economic Development commented, "The Committee is pleased to see Blue Islands take the opportunity afforded by the States to operate Air Tunnels between the islands, enabling travel subject of course to the appropriate controls being in place. The launch of this new service enables our local businesses to maintain their business relationships in Jersey."

Fares from £60.99 one way, available to book now at www.blueislands.com.

 Notification of travel

Guernsey:
All Business Travellers must notify the States of Guernsey at least seven days prior to travel.

Notification must be given to the States of Guernsey Population Management Office either by emailing criticaltravel@gov.gg, by completing the designated online form which can be found on the gov.gg website www.gov.gg/covid19businesstunnel, or by telephoning 01481 715790.

For normal travellers the 14-day quarantine for travel to Guernsey remains, until 01 September at the earliest.

Jersey:

For entry into Jersey, a pre-departure registration form must be completed before arrival and you must disclose all countries visited within 14 days of your arrival. Visitors have a choice to either undergo a PCR test upon arrival into Jersey or self-quarantine for 14 days. Further details can be found here: https://www.jersey.com/covid-19-information

Ends

Notes to editors:

 Schedule: 6  August – 27 August (Thursdays)

A return to regular daily services is scheduled from 01 September.