A weekly return flight between Jersey and Gatwick will start from Tuesday 26 May for essential travel.

The service will be operated by Blue Islands under agreement with the government to maintain lifeline air links.

One flight will leave Jersey every Tuesday at 1:20pm and leave Gatwick at 3:15pm 'until further notice'.

It's in addition to the thrice-weekly Southampton services.

"Together, these air services will enable strictly essential travel on and off the Island, while minimising the risks associated with cross-border travel and the transmission of COVID-19.

The addition of the Gatwick rotation will provide additional connectivity for those travelling for medical reasons, or for those transiting through the UK as part of their necessary travel. It is not anticipated that this will dramatically increase the number of passengers arriving in Jersey." - Government of Jersey.

All passengers need advance permission to travel and complete a health declaration to confirm they have no Covid-19 symptoms.

Bookings on these flights will be single only and charged at £100 per leg. The government says it's providing funding of £5,263 per rotation to secure this service.

The travel authorisation and health declaration form is available here. All private aircraft and boats are asked to contact JCIS on immigration@gov.je to get a form.