Partner Spotlight - FlyDirect Holidays

For many islanders, the perfect holiday starts long before they reach their destination. It starts with the simplicity of flying direct.

That's the experience FlyDirect has been delivering since it first landed in the Channel Islands 40 years ago. Since launching its dedicated Guernsey programme in 2022, the company has continued to expand its offering, becoming a valued partner of Guernsey Airport and helping islanders begin their holidays closer to home.

We caught up with the FlyDirect team to learn more about the people behind the business, their passion for travel, and how partnerships are helping unlock new opportunities for island communities.

Bringing Holiday Convenience to the Islands

FlyDirect has been organising direct charter flights from the Channel Islands for over four decades. Since becoming part of the family-owned C. I. Travel Group in 2007, the business has continued to evolve, with direct jet departures from Guernsey introduced in 2022.

At the heart of the business is a simple mission: making holidays easier for islanders.

"Our goal has always been to provide a hassle-free, quicker and more straightforward holiday experience for our island communities, cutting out that tiresome UK layover," said Director Alex Devlin.

Today, FlyDirect offers Guernsey travellers a choice of six destinations, with flights operating across nine months of the year. Yet many customers are surprised to discover the flexibility of the service, with both package holidays and flight-only options available.

For FlyDirect, it's about giving travellers more choice and allowing them to start their holiday from the moment they leave home.

A Small Team with a Big Passion for Travel

Behind every booking is a close-knit team of around 12 people working across customer services, marketing, ticketing and accounts.

The most rewarding part of the job, they say, comes when customers return home having enjoyed a memorable holiday.

When your job revolves around holidays, choosing a favourite destination is no easy task.

Costa del Sol holds a special place in Gina's heart after living there, while Tim champions the beauty of Majorca.

Liz enjoys the quieter side of Ibiza, and Martyn recommends the cultural charm of Carvoeiro in the Algarve.

Sales and Marketing Manager Bex perhaps sums it up best: "Wherever I'm going next is my favourite!"

Building Partnerships that open new Opportunities

Although FlyDirect's roots are firmly in the Channel Islands, creating new travel opportunities for islanders relies on a strong network of partnerships across Europe.

British Airways CityFlyer plays an important role in FlyDirect's summer programme, connecting Guernsey travellers directly with popular Mediterranean destinations aboard its Embraer E190 aircraft.

FlyDirect's partnership with airBaltic tells an equally compelling story. Operating a modern Airbus A220-300 fleet, the airline has built a reputation as one of Europe's most innovative carriers, including becoming the first European airline to introduce free SpaceX Starlink high-speed internet across its aircraft.

When airBaltic began operating FlyDirect's Tenerife programme, it marked the first time islanders could fly non-stop from Guernsey to the Canary Islands. The route opened up a new winter-sun destination and demonstrated how collaboration can turn new travel opportunities into reality.

A Growing Partnership with Guernsey Airport

As FlyDirect's Guernsey programme continues to grow, its relationship with Guernsey Airport remains central to that success.

"The wholehearted support of Guernsey Airport has been critical to the success of our Guernsey programme, which launched in 2022 and has grown each year since,” said Alex.  

The two organisations work closely together throughout the year, sharing a commitment to delivering reliable services and improving connectivity for the island.

That collaboration has helped FlyDirect expand from its initial Guernsey operation. The newly released 2027 timetable is headlined by the addition of the beautiful Italian island of Sardinia, reflecting their ongoing commitment to giving islanders fresh destinations, greater choice and added flexibility when planning their holidays.

Beyond the runway, FlyDirect continues to look for new ways to engage directly with local travellers. Following its participation in the Guernsey Ports Travel Showcase at the airport earlier this year, the team will return to Guernsey Airport on 4 October with a dedicated pop-up holiday shop. The event will give customers an opportunity to meet the team and discover more about the direct travel opportunities available from Guernsey.

Looking Ahead

Like much of the travel industry, FlyDirect continues to navigate economic pressures, changing customer booking habits, and growing environmental considerations.

The team has also noticed travellers increasingly booking closer to departure and opting for several shorter breaks throughout the year rather than one extended summer holiday.

While these trends continue to evolve, FlyDirect remains focused on what it does best: providing flexibility, choice and value for island communities.

Whether it's a family holiday in Majorca, a cultural escape to the Algarve or winter sunshine in Tenerife, FlyDirect is helping islanders start their holiday the moment they leave home.