A popular island just 40 minutes from the UK is getting a major upgrade to its airport starting this summer.
Located off the northwest coast of France in the Bay of St Malo, Jersey, the largest of the Channel Islands, has just one airport and terminal.
Though Jersey technically sits outside of the UK and Great Britain, its airport is classed as British due to it being within a British territory.
Its current departure lounge, which opened in 1997, sees over 500,000 tourists pass through every year.
However, the airport will soon undergo a fresh new facelift, featuring more food and retail options, dedicated quiet zones, views over the runway, and more.
The ‘major redesign’ promises to bring a more welcoming experience to passengers, and include nods to the island’s ‘unique character, natural beauty and vibrant culture’.
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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 design will celebrate Jersey’s ‘outdoor lifestyle, cultural roots and modern multicultural identity’, which will be reflected in the colours and layout of the space.
Jersey Airport says its focus is on creating a ‘welcoming’ and ‘practical’ space that feels good to be in.
‘Phase 1’ will begin next month, which 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 starts.
‘The investment is a big step in the evolution of Jersey Airport,’ Matt Thomas, CEO of Ports of Jersey, said.
‘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.
‘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 brand-new No1 Lounge at Jersey Airport on Friday. The first-class lounge is tucked away in the atrium of the terminal and has space for 150 guests.
‘There is so much to explore’
Metro‘s senior showbiz reporter and resident TV expert Pierra Willix visited Jersey back in March.
She said the drop in visitor numbers is a ‘pity, as there is so much to explore in this destination that’s close to home’.
She says one highlight is the culinary scene, where menus are ‘overflowing’ with seafood options.
‘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,’ she said.
‘Culinary highlights include Brassiere Colmar, Sangria Tapas and Restaurant and The Moorings, which has an oyster happy hour that regularly attracted Bergerac stars during days off filming.’
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.
Despite redevelopment plans, Jersey is currently 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, however.
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