Aurigny has changed some schedules and added in a new fuel surcharge this spring.
The airline says bookings for May 2026 are around 13% lower than the previous year, which it’s attributed to “heightened global instability” affecting consumer confidence.
The number of London City flights will be reduced but will continue to operate six days a week, and flights to both Exeter and Bristol will be combined to reduce empty seats.
For flights to Paris, Aurigny said most of the new Wednesday flights are postponed until June.
The airline has also announced “financial adjustments” which will see the implementation of a “Temporary Fuel Adjustment”.
That means flights booked from last Friday onwards will cost an extra £2 “per sector” – or per flight.
The airline blamed the rising cost of oil and fuel, saying that fuel now represents “almost a third of an airline’s costs”, and that these have been driven up by “extreme fluctuations” linked to the conflict in the Middle East.
“While a small island community, we are not immune from the realities presented by the global travel ecosystem,” said Philip Saunders, Chief Commercial Officer at Aurigny.
“Current global events are impacting consumer confidence and changing travel behaviours.
“Furthermore, significant increases in global oil prices are now filtering through to aviation. Unfortunately, we have to pass on some of the resulting costs to customers to ensure sustainable air services to and from Guernsey.”
Despite the drop in bookings, a reduction in the routes operated, and an increase in cost, Mr Saunders is confident ticket sales will increase, especially with summer approaching.
“Although, there is some softening of demand for near-term travel, we are pleased to be observing strength from July onwards, as we welcome more UK holidaymakers back to our safe and beautiful islands.
“Overall, despite all these challenges, we expect a positive year for the Guernsey travel market.”
More to follow…
