Airport named as the worst to be stranded at Christmas
GUERNSEY’S has been voted the worst airport in the UK to be stranded at over Christmas due to the limited facilities available.
Netflights have released a ‘strandability index’ to advise those who travel over the festive period.
It showed that compared to other airports, Guernsey Airport is not equipped for passengers who are delayed or stuck.
‘Guernsey Airport is naturally disappointed by this survey’s findings,’ said general manager of ports Colin Le Ray.
‘Guernsey Airport and its business partners have put significant investment in passenger facilities in the departures lounge this year with a major refresh of our food and beverage outlets and an expansion in the product range at the airport’s duty free shop.’
The Netflights survey asked passengers to assess categories of ‘strandability’.
Areas assessed were essentials (free Wi-Fi, charging points and restaurants), comfort (lounges and quiet spaces) and things to do (shops, spas and play areas).
‘We will examine the survey’s findings to see if we can incorporate any of the suggestions mentioned in the report,’ Mr Le Ray said.
‘Some of the findings can be quickly addressed, other elements may have to be included in a wider review of our terminal provision, which is starting in 2020 and as part of a wider master plan for the airport which is currently being commissioned.’
London Heathrow was voted best for strandability out of the 30 airports assessed. It was the busiest UK airport in 2018 with 80,124,537 passengers in another survey.
In the same survey, Guernsey was named as the least busy of the 30 with 837,615 passengers using the airport in 2018.
‘With a high proportion of domestic flights operating from Guernsey Airport – with generally shorter than one-hour check in times – the demand for facilities often found at larger airports, which are required to accommodate passengers for two or three hours before their flight departs, are unlikely to result in multiple bars, cafes or leisure facilities proving viable,’ said Mr Le Ray.
‘However where a demand exists then we should aim to provide it and this will be the focus of our work in reviewing these survey results.’
Jersey was voted joint 10th place for ‘strandability’, and 26th for being busy in 2018 with 1,664,175 passengers.
Other airports which had a low score for ‘strandability’ were Durham, Belfast International, Norwich and Isle of Man.
