The tour operator, which has been offering direct flights to the Mediterranean from Guernsey since 2022, has expanded its 2027 programme with a new route to Sardinia and additional departures to Ibiza.
C.I. Travel Group director Alexander Devlin, who joined the company last October, said the service was going from strength to strength – gradually increasing its offering each year in response to demand from islanders.
‘The market seems really receptive to the product,’ he said.
‘One of our key selling points is not having that connection in London and the time saving. It really took off for us in the Covid years, when we were still able to operate direct flights when a number of other companies weren’t.’
Although consumer confidence in travel had taken a knock over the past year, partly because of the new European Travel Information and Authorisation System, he said customers were telling the company it was having less of an impact on them.
‘Removing that extra UK connection has been a game changer for islanders,’ he said.
The local company launched its 2027 summer programme on Wednesday and Mr Devlin said the initial response had been encouraging.
‘Yesterday was probably our strongest launch day for summer in the history of FlyDirect,’ he said.
‘Early sales were really good, and a good chunk of those were Olbia.
‘We celebrated in the office with some Italian pastries.’
The new route will operate into Olbia, in north-east Sardinia, providing access to the Costa Smeralda. Having taken a market research trip to the destination himself, Mr Devlin said the new offering was one to explore.
‘Picture crystal clear turquoise waters, sandy beaches, rugged coastline and mountainous landscapes,’ he said.
‘And obviously all paired alongside Italian food.
‘It still offers the high-quality, familiar FlyDirect products in terms of hotels and accommodation, while offering a completely different cultural experience from our existing Spanish destinations.’
Meanwhile, strong demand for Ibiza in 2026 has prompted the company to increase departures next summer, with weekly flights scheduled between 22 May and 14 August.
Mr Devlin said the company had been working to showcase Ibiza beyond its reputation for nightlife.
‘It’s not all party scene – restaurants, high-end hotels, beautiful beaches. It’s got a bit of everything.’
As well as weekly return flights, the company also aims to offer one-way opportunities.
‘We’ve tried to make it easier for people to book one-ways, so people can just go somewhere for a couple of nights and return via London,’ he said.
‘That’s been quite popular.’
Child discounts of up to £200 will continue on all flights, including in the school summer holidays.
Mr Devlin said anyone comparing prices with flights from UK airports should factor in the hidden costs of connecting.
They could include meals, a night in an airport hotel and baggage charges on two legs of the journey.
‘If you’re doing a like-for-like comparison, I feel we are quite price competitive,’ he said.
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