![\"St](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/SEI_242479368-bddb.jpg\")
\n\t\tThe new design aims to be \u2018welcoming\u2019 and \u2018practical\u2019 space (Picture: Getty Images)<\/p>\n
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\n\t\tThe new design aims to be \u2018welcoming\u2019 and \u2018practical\u2019 space (Picture: Getty Images)<\/p>\n
A popular island just 40 minutes from the UK<\/a> is getting a major upgrade to its airport<\/a> starting this summer<\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>\n Located off the northwest coast of France<\/a> in the Bay of St Malo, Jersey<\/strong><\/a>, the largest of the Channel Islands, has just one airport and terminal.\u00a0<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n Its current departure lounge, which opened in 1997, sees over 500,000 tourists pass through every year.\u00a0<\/p>\n 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.\u00a0<\/p>\n The \u2018major redesign\u2019 promises to bring a more welcoming experience to passengers, and include nods to the island\u2019s \u2018unique character, natural beauty and vibrant culture\u2019.\u00a0<\/p>\n \t\t\t\tSign up to The Getaway newsletter\t\t\t<\/p>\n Fuel your wanderlust with our curated newsletter of travel deals, guides and inspiration.\u00a0Sign up here<\/a>.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n \t\t The design will celebrate Jersey\u2019s \u2018outdoor lifestyle, cultural roots and modern multicultural identity\u2019, which will be reflected in the colours and layout of the space.\u00a0<\/p>\n Jersey Airport says its focus is on creating a \u2018welcoming\u2019 and \u2018practical\u2019\u00a0 space that feels good to be in.\u00a0<\/p>\n \u2018Phase 1\u2019 will begin next month, which will include the removal of its \u2018disruption desk\u2019, which is where passengers can go for advice about delayed or cancelled flights.\u00a0<\/p>\n They\u2019ll also be clearing out back-office areas to create temporary walkways for when the main construction starts.\u00a0<\/p>\n \u2018The investment is a big step in the evolution of Jersey Airport,\u2019 Matt Thomas, CEO of Ports of Jersey, said.\u00a0<\/p>\n \t\t \u2018As 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.\u00a0<\/p>\n \u2018We really appreciate everyone\u2019s patience and look forward to delivering something the whole island can feel proud of.\u2019<\/p>\n 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.\u00a0<\/p>\n \t\t\t\t‘There is so much to explore’ \t\t\t<\/p>\n Metro<\/strong>\u2018s senior showbiz reporter and resident TV expert Pierra Willix visited Jersey back in March. <\/p>\n She said the drop in visitor numbers<\/a> is a \u2018pity, as there is so much to explore in this destination that\u2019s close to home\u2019.<\/p>\n She says one highlight is the culinary scene, where menus are \u2018overflowing\u2019 with seafood options. <\/p>\n \u2018The passion for local produce is evident everywhere, and everyone tells me not to leave without trying the island\u2019s famous royal potatoes, butter and ice cream,\u2019 she said. <\/p>\n \u2018Culinary 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.\u2019<\/p>\n Travellers can enjoy 90 minutes of luxury for \u00a328. You can expect buffet-style food, stocked with local flavours, a bar with free drinks, meeting pods, a library, and runway and sea views.\u00a0<\/p>\n The lounge is open from 5:30 am every day and is accessible to all travellers, regardless of airline or ticket class.\u00a0<\/p>\n Despite redevelopment plans, Jersey is currently experiencing a significant drop in visitors.\u00a0<\/p>\n 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.\u00a0<\/p>\n This is mainly due to a drop in overnight stays; however, there were also 2,400 fewer day trips.\u00a0<\/p>\n The island still remains a popular destination for British travellers, accounting for nearly 70% of all visits.\u00a0<\/p>\n \t\t There are over 20 airports that fly to Jersey, including London, Birmingham<\/a>, Manchester<\/a>, Newcastle, Edinburgh<\/a> and Dublin, with most flights taking around an hour or less.<\/p>\n You can also travel by car, bike or foot on ferries from Poole or Portsmouth \u2013 with overnight cabin crossing and faster daytime boats available.<\/p>\n It\u2019s part of the Common Travel Area, along with the other Channel Islands, so there are no queued immigration controls when arriving in Jersey\u2019s airport and ports.\u00a0<\/p>\n UK citizens also don\u2019t need a visa to enter Jersey, but most airlines and ferry operators require some form of Government ID.<\/p>\n Anyone from outside the Common Travel Area will need to show their passport or identity card with visas, however.\u00a0<\/p>\n Do you have a story to share?<\/strong><\/p>\n Get in touch by emailing MetroLifestyleTeam@Metro.co.uk<\/a>.<\/strong><\/p>\n Arrow Arrow![\"UK](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/SEI_259649514-80d6.jpg\")
\n\t\tJersey is the largest of the Channel Islands (Picture: Datawrapper)<\/p>\n![\"Morning](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/GettyImages-125974754.jpg\")
\n\t\tOver 500,000 tourists visit Jersey every year (Picture: Getty Images)<\/p>\n![\"Beauport](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/GettyImages-940625292.jpg\")
\n\t\tThe island has seen a drop in visitors recently (Picture: Getty Images)<\/p>\n
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