The Economic Development Committee has confirmed the continuation of the Finistair air service linking Alderney, Jersey and Brest for an extended period during the 2026 summer season, following the success of the two month trial operated in 2025.
The service will operate twice weekly, on Fridays and Sundays, from the last week of May through to the end of September 2026, replicating the schedule trialled last year while extending the operating window significantly.
The continuation of the route follows the agreement reached between the States of Alderney, the Government of Jersey and Ports of Jersey, working together on a joint venture arrangement that provides limited, time-bound subsidy support to Finistair, a French regional airline – to enable the service to operate during the 2026 season.
The Brest–Jersey–Alderney route was trialled in summer 2025 and demonstrated clear potential to improve inter-island travel, strengthen links with northern France, and enhance regional connectivity across the Channel Islands. The extended 2026 season will also benefit from an enhanced booking platform and increased marketing activity, designed to improve passenger awareness and boost load factors across the route.
The Committee is clear that the Finistair service is intended to complement, not compete with, existing lifeline connectivity. The continuation of the service reflects Alderney’s wider commitment to improving connectivity as a foundation for economic revitalisation, an objective consistently expressed in States’ debates in both Alderney and Guernsey on the island’s long-term transport links.
Stuart Clark, Chair of the Economic Development Committee, said: “This is an exciting opportunity for Alderney. The success of the 2025 trial demonstrated real demand for better inter-island and regional connectivity and extending the service in 2026 allows us to build on that momentum.
“By working in partnership with the Government of Jersey and Ports of Jersey, and by supporting improved marketing and booking systems, we are giving this route the best possible chance to succeed. Importantly, Finistair and Water Taxi CI will complement one another, helping us to better understand demand without undermining our vital PSO lifeline services.
“This initiative clearly demonstrates Alderney’s ambition to support economic revitalisation by improving how residents, visitors and businesses connect to and from the island.”
Kirsten Morel (pictured), Minister for Sustainable Economic Development, Government of Jersey, said: “We value the historic, mutually beneficial connections between the Channel Islands and Brittany, and we remain committed to strengthening international connectivity for islanders and our regional partners. That’s why we’re delighted to renew this partnership with our friends in Alderney and Brest for an extended trial in summer 2026 and wish Finistair every success.”
