Air services cut to one Southampton and one Gatwick rotation a day

The changes were introduced yesterday, as Guernsey went into lockdown.

The airline had already reduced services in recent weeks. The latest move sees the end of a link with Manchester until at least 31 May, as well as a reduction in rotations between the island and Gatwick from two to one.

The UK’s lockdown has resulted in Southampton Airport largely serving only the Channel Islands, and even then on a very limited basis.

Gatwick, which is usually one of the UK’s busiest airports, has also seen a drastic cut in travellers.

Between 3 and 4pm yesterday, there were just three flights landing, including the Aurigny Guernsey service.

An Aurigny spokesman said all the changes would be in place until 31 May, although there could be others at short notice.

‘We are restricting the numbers of seats available on the remaining services so that better separation can be achieved between passengers and between passengers and crew,’ he said.

‘We are also suspending our web check-in option as this will make it easier to ensure that customers are evenly spread out in the cabin.’

Aurigny warned islanders that only those who must travel should be flying into Guernsey. When they arrive, passengers will have to complete a form and then self-isolate for 14 days, unless they are here to complete a critical task.

Border Agency officers are meeting each flight.

Anyone not qualified to travel should cancel their booking on the Aurigny website.

The airline warned that it was not aware how passengers who did not qualify to enter the island would be managed.

At this point, residents returning home are considered essential travellers, but this may change.