Islanders will once again be able to fly direct from Jersey to Amsterdam, it has been announced – after KLM Royal Dutch Airlines decided to launch a new service starting on 4 April next year.
The service will initially be operated weekly before switching to daily flights between 4 July and 30 August.
It will then switch back to weekly flights from 31 August until 24 October.
It will not be the first time that islanders have been able to fly direct to the Netherlands’ capital.
Easyjet operated a route from the island to Schiphol Airport for just one summer season in 2023 before scrapping it, with Ports of Jersey stating at the time that it “did not attract enough passengers from Amsterdam” to be retained.
But Jerome Salemi, Air France-KLM general manager for the UK, Jersey and Ireland, told Express that the new service – which will be operated by KLM Cityhopper with Embraer 175 and 190 aircraft – represented a “very different” model.
“First with smaller aircraft, and then a lot of connecting traffic expected on this route, making it more resilient,” he explained, noting KLM’s “hub” in Schiphol Airport.
Mr Salemi said that the route’s performance would be monitored, but that the airline had an ambition for it to be “long-term”.
Ports of Jersey chief executive Matt Thomas said: “Welcoming KLM to Jersey is an exciting moment for our island’s connectivity.”
He described the route as “far more than a direct link to Amsterdam ”.
“It opens Jersey to KLM’s global network, meaning islanders can reach major international destinations with one simple connection,” he continued.
“It will also mean strengthened tourism links, enabling new markets to discover Jersey.”
Mr Thomas added that improved connectivity “supports our economy, boosts tourism, and gives islanders greater choice”.
“We’re proud to see this long-term ambition becoming a reality and look forward to working closely with KLM as the service launches in April.”
Deputy Morel said the route “strengthens Jersey’s links with the rest of the world” and would create opportunities for businesses, support the visitor economy and provide “more choice for islanders travelling internationally”.
“We’re delighted to welcome KLM to Jersey and look forward to the positive impact this partnership will bring to our community and our economy,” he added.
“I hope Islanders and visitors alike will use this service, so it remains a key connection for Jersey for many years to come.”
Bookings are available as of this afternoon, including online via the KLM website.