Jet problem delays Isle of Man service
GUERNSEY’S new air bridge with the Isle of Man got off to a troubled start after technical issues with the jet led to delays.
But nearly three hours later than scheduled, passengers flying in were greeted with a water canon by airport firefighters, which produced a fitting rainbow in the evening sun.
Earlier in the day they had been called out to another Aurigny flight, where problems with an ATR caused the airport to close for nearly an hour. The first flight to the Isle of Man had been due to depart at noon. Nearly 100 passengers, including Aurigny CEO Mark Darby, had boarded the jet when the problem arose. Passengers were disembarked and Mr Darby kept passengers updated.
Two of those making use of the new air bridge were Jane and Roger Mahy, heading off for a golfing holiday and to celebrate Mr Mahy’s 65th birthday.
‘It’s great to be able to go off island again,’ said Mrs Mahy.
The flight departed just after 3pm. Earlier Aurigny had issues with an ATR, ahead of its flight to Southampton, which forced the airport to close.
Passengers had to be disembarked while the problem was dealt with. A replacement plane was prepared and departed at 1.30pm – two and a half hours late.
A Guernsey Airport spokesman confirmed that the airport’s Fire and Rescue Service had responded to an incident involving an Aurigny ATR-72 aircraft just after 11am.
‘The passengers onboard were escorted by airport and airline staff back to the arrivals hall in the terminal as a precautionary measure,’ he said.
‘There were no reported injuries. Guernsey Airport reopened at 11.49am.’
Islanders head off to Isle of Man Page 3
