Ministers meet to discuss Channel Islands connectivity

Friday, 25 September 2026 07:20

By Harry Booth

Jersey and Guernsey could work together to encourage cruise operators to include both the major Channel Islands in their itineraries.

After each island chose different ferry operators last year, connectivity between Jersey and Guernsey has been a contentious subject.

Guernsey's politicians rejected plans for DFDS to operate an inter-islands ferry service in April, and Islands Unlimited's seasonal sailings have since been suspended early because of an engine problem.

Brittany Ferries continues to operate a Guernsey-Jersey sailing on Wednesdays.

There have been issues with flights too. Blue Islands collapsed last year, and Guernsey's Transport Licensing Authority declined Logan Air's licences to operate flights from the island.

Guernsey States-owned airline Aurigny became the sole provider for the essential lifeline route between Jersey and Guernsey.

The lack of services between the islands has caused a particular problem for the sports community, and recently the JFA said Jersey would not compete in next year's Muratti because of the cost and difficulty of travelling.

Politicians on both sides say, while the situation 'remains challenging', they'll work together to find ways of improving sea connectivity between the islands.

Deputy Gerald Voisin, Jersey Economic Development Minister, said:

"Inter-island connectivity is important to businesses and community groups in both Jersey and Guernsey and I am hopeful that we can find ways to make it easier for people to get between the islands and we both agreed to explore short- and medium-term options."

Deputy Sasha Kazantseva-Miller, States of Guernsey's President of the Committee for Economic Development, said:

"While there are no quick solutions, we share a commitment to exploring practical opportunities to improve connectivity by both sea and air and the opportunities to promote the Channel Islands tourism collectively and enhance the benefits that connectivity brings to both Bailiwicks."

Promoting tourism includes the idea of 'selling' the Channel Islands, rather than just Guernsey, as two destinations for cruise liners.