Held to ransom

FLYING at the airport has been suspended after the firefighter dispute escalated to a full strike yesterday.

Hundreds of people saw their travel plans disrupted and many were left looking for somewhere to stay for the night after fire crews walked out shortly after 5pm. The last flight was cancelled shortly before 8pm and the matter has now been referred to the industrial disputes officer.

Many turned up this morning unaware that no flights would be operating.

Airport management said all fire cover had been withdrawn after talks broke down during yesterday afternoon. It said the situation was very much regretted but was beyond its control.

With the airport looking likely to be closed all day today, the only flight to move this morning was Blue Islands' 7.45 departure to Southampton.

Passengers were people requiring essential medical treatment in the UK and firefighters agreed to give it dispensation.

• More on this story in Tuesday's Guernsey Press