Loganair Denied Guernsey Licences Over Route Overcapacity Concerns
The States of Guernsey’s Transport Licensing Authority (TLA) has provisionally denied licence applications from Loganair to operate services linking Guernsey with Jersey and Southampton, citing concerns that additional capacity would undermine the long-term viability of the routes. Both sectors are currently served by Guernsey-based Aurigny Air Services.
In its decision, the TLA said it considered extensive evidence submitted during a public consultation. “Evidence suggested strong competition on these routes would likely lead to it being unviable for all operators in the longer term,” said John Gallop, president of the Authority. The regulator concluded that introducing another carrier could destabilize essential air links relied upon by the island community.
Loganair responded by expressing disappointment while maintaining its belief that it could contribute positively to Channel Islands connectivity. “We are not surprised at this outcome; however, we remain resolutely of the belief that Loganair should play a part in serving the Channel Islands community beyond our base in Jersey,” the airline said. It added that it hoped to offer Guernsey passengers inbound and outbound connections complementary to its wider UK network.
Although Loganair is entitled to appeal the decision, an airline spokesperson confirmed it does not plan to do so. The carrier has already begun cancelling and refunding tickets sold for inter-island travel to Jersey beyond January 15, when the Guernsey–Jersey shuttle becomes restricted to licensed operators only. Despite the setback, Loganair said it continues to “hope to serve Guernsey in the future.”
The Scottish regional airline entered the Channel Islands market in mid-November 2025, launching services after the collapse of Blue Islands. Loganair began operating from a newly established base in Jersey at a time when the Guernsey–Jersey route was unregulated and open to any carrier. It also outlined plans to introduce Guernsey–Southampton flights once the necessary approvals were secured.
Aurigny Air Services moved quickly to fill the gap left by Blue Islands, launching its own Guernsey–Jersey shuttle and subsequently securing a permanent licence. The airline already held a licence for the Guernsey–Southampton route prior to Blue Islands’ collapse, strengthening its position as the island’s primary carrier.
The TLA’s decision highlights the delicate balance regulators face in small aviation markets, where competition must be weighed against the need to maintain sustainable, reliable air services for island communities.
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Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, ch-aviation.com