Jersey Airport is about to get a swanky new upgrade.
As it stands, the largest of the Channel Islands, just 40 minutes from the UK, has only one airport and terminal.
But a ‘major redesign’ set to start in August will include levelled-up shops and restaurants, dedicated quiet zones and views over the runway.
A ‘Sunflower Room’ will also be installed to support passengers who need a break from the bright lights and busyness.
The plans come hot on the heels of a new exclusive departure lounge, which opened on Friday and costs £28 for 90 minutes — reasonable, by airport lounge standards.
Jersey Airport says its focus is on creating a ‘welcoming’ and ‘practical’ space that passengers enjoy being in, with nods to the island’s ‘unique character, natural beauty and vibrant culture’.
Sign up to The Getaway newsletter
Fuel your wanderlust with our curated newsletter of travel deals, guides and inspiration. Sign up here.
Work will begin in late August and is expected to last around 14 months. Ports of Jersey admitted there would be some disruption as the work takes place.
The first phase will include the removal of its ‘disruption desk’, which is where passengers can go for advice about delayed or cancelled flights.
They’ll also be clearing out back-office areas to create temporary walkways for when the main construction gets under way.
Matt Thomas, CEO of Ports of Jersey, said: ‘The investment is a big step in the evolution of Jersey Airport.
‘As with any project of this scale, there will be some disruption as we build a much more welcoming, efficient, and unmistakably Jersey space for travellers.
Jersey: 'So much to explore'
Metro‘s senior showbiz reporter and resident TV expert Pierra Willix visited Jersey in March.
Her highlight was the culinary scene: ‘The passion for local produce is evident everywhere, and everyone tells me not to leave without trying the island’s famous royal potatoes, butter and ice cream.’
You can read the full report here.
‘We really appreciate everyone’s patience and look forward to delivering something the whole island can feel proud of.’
It comes after the opening of the first-class No1 Lounge at Jersey Airport last week. The area is tucked in the atrium of the terminal and has space for 150 guests.
Travellers can enjoy 90 minutes of luxury for £28. You can expect buffet-style food, stocked with local flavours, a bar with free drinks, meeting pods, a library, and runway and sea views.
The lounge is open from 5:30 am every day and is accessible to all travellers, regardless of airline or ticket class.
Yet despite redevelopment plans, Jersey is experiencing a significant drop in visitors.
Recent statistics from Visit Jersey show a 24% decrease in visitors in May, with 53,000 people travelling to the island, 17,000 fewer than the same period in 2024.
This is mainly due to a drop in overnight stays; however, there were also 2,400 fewer day trips.
The island still remains a popular destination for British travellers, accounting for nearly 70% of all visits.
There are over 20 airports that fly to Jersey, including London, Birmingham, Manchester, Newcastle, Edinburgh and Dublin, with most flights taking around an hour or less.
You can also travel by car, bike or foot on ferries from Poole or Portsmouth – with overnight cabin crossing and faster daytime boats available.
It’s part of the Common Travel Area, along with the other Channel Islands, so there are no queued immigration controls when arriving in Jersey’s airport and ports.
UK citizens also don’t need a visa to enter Jersey, but most airlines and ferry operators require some form of Government ID.
Anyone from outside the Common Travel Area will need to show their passport or identity card with visas.
Do you have a story to share?
Get in touch by emailing [email protected].
