New weekly flights from Jersey to Faro, on Portugal’s Algarve coast and to the Balearic Island of Ibiza have been announced by CI Travel Group as they prepare to launch their 2023 summer programme.
Both Guernsey and Jersey islanders will also be able to continue to enjoy direct flights to the island of Majorca, with an extended flying programme between May and September 2023. Jersey will also see flights to Malaga in May and October.
Following the launch of direct flights from Guernsey to Majorca this year, to complement those provided from Jersey, demand from both islands has exceeded expectations and led the company to expand the programme again in 2023.
Islanders will be able to travel abroad without the inconvenience of stopping off at a UK airport and will be able to book flights or inclusive holiday packages at a range of hotels and apartments.
CI Travel Group Managing Director Robert Mackenzie said: “We are delighted that so many islanders in both Jersey and Guernsey took the decision to choose to travel on our direct flight programme this summer. The challenges of travelling through the UK have been well publicised and the convenience and speed of flying direct has attracted many to try FlyDirect for the first time.”
“In 2023, Faro and Ibiza offer new opportunities for Jersey residents, whilst the popularity of Majorca from Guernsey has encouraged us to increase the number of flights next year.”
The flights from Guernsey and Jersey will once again be operated by FlyDirect’s partner airline BA CityFlyer, a subsidiary of British Airways, using an Embraer 190 jet aircraft. Flights to Majorca and Ibiza take around 2 hours, whilst to Malaga and Faro the flying time is around 2 hours 30 minutes.
Matt Thomas, CEO Ports of Jersey commented: “It is very encouraging to see new routes being added to these popular direct flights from Jersey, especially after the pandemic caused so much disruption for airlines and travel operators. We have been pleased to see how islanders responded to the convenience offered by flying direct, and I hope next year sees a continuation of the healthy recovery we have seen at the airport in 2022.”
Ben Le Huray, Chief Commercial and Infrastructure Officer at Guernsey Ports commented: “Guernsey Ports is pleased to see the commitment from FlyDirect to continue the Palma route for a second year following the success over the 2022 Summer season. Providing customers with a range of choices direct from Guernsey Airport is an important keystone of the Island’s Air Route Strategy and the Guernsey Ports business plan, and we look forward to welcoming FlyDirect back next year.”
