tour operator Channel Islands Travel Group will run charter flights to Jersey from Oxford airport again next year after the success of flights this year.

They were the city’s first charter flights to the island in two decades.

Passenger numbers for the weekly departures exceeded 93 per cent occupancy for the 10-week season with all but two flights completely sold out.

Next year will see 50 per cent more flights.

Group managing director Robert Mackenzie said: “We were delighted with the first year’s performance of the route from Oxford and that’s encouraged us to offer a significantly extended season next year.

“To achieve a load factor above 90 per cent is exceptionally good.”

Mr Mackenzie said it expected the 2010 season to begin by the end of May at least six weeks earlier than this year.

The exact start date of flights in 2010 has not yet been confirmed but departures will again be on Saturdays.

Airport marketing manager James Dillon Godfray said: “The operator told us this was one of the most successful launches of a new route they’ve ever had. This is good news for local people who do not have to travel to faraway airports to take a holiday.”

l Business charter flight firm Icejet is to open an office base and a hangar at the airport after basing its first jet there.