Flight delayed by electronic device interference

The issue affected the 3.25pm Aurigny flight on Monday.

The ATR72 had been de-iced and had pushed back from the stand when the problem was discovered.

The flight attendants had to halt their safety briefing as a high-pitch beeping was heard over the speakers, caused by interference from a device.

Passengers were asked to check the settings on their mobile phones, but the problem persisted.

It then became clear that the transmissions were also affecting the pilots’ ability to talk to the control tower and passengers were again warned to ensure all their electronic devices were either turned off or in flight safe mode.

When this did not work, the plane was moved back onto its stand and the flight attendants came through the cabin explaining the importance of switching off devices.

It was decided that all electronic devices had to be switched off and again they came through to check every passenger’s mobile phones, laptops and even children’s electronic devices were off.

The pilot then informed the passengers that the transmission was too strong to come from a mobile phone and instead must be coming from a larger device.

The luggage was off-loaded and the passengers had to identify it and confirm there was nothing electronic switched on inside.

The plane finally departed at 5.18pm – nearly two hours after its scheduled departure time.

The delay went on to cause problems for the plane’s next rotation to Manchester.

It was meant to land in Guernsey just before 9pm, but touched down at 11.15pm.

Aurigny yesterday reminded customers to switch off all electronic devices or put them into flight safe mode before take-off to ensure they did not interfere with onboard communication systems.

A spokesman said it was important to follow all safety instructions given by cabin crew. ‘These rules are not there to cause unnecessary inconvenience, but to ensure that our flights get away safely and on time.’