Flybe blames the runway as Gatwick jet link ceases at end of October

GUERNSEY'S deteriorating runway has cost the island its jet link with the capital.

Flybe will withdraw its BAe 146 from the Gatwick route at the end of October and replace it with the smaller-capacity turboprop Dash Q400. Flybe general manager, market development Ian Taylor said the decision was regrettable but unavoidable.

'We have no option,' he said. 'More than two years ago we told the States that we would be withdrawing the 146 from service and the only one left in our fleet is the one currently operating between Guernsey and Gatwick,' he said.

Flybe had wanted to introduce its latest 118-seater Embraer 195 aircraft on to the route but this was ruled out by current weight restrictions on the runway at Guernsey Airport.