Guernsey Press

Apology over Manx flight diversion

THE Isle of Man government and Aurigny have apologised after a flight carrying players from the Guernsey Rugby Academy had to make an unscheduled stop at Manchester Airport due to there being no air traffic controllers available to land the aircraft.

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Aurigny plane. (Picture by Sophie Rabey, 28568253)

The players boarded Sunday’s 7.45am flight from Guernsey ready for games at various age groups, only to make an unscheduled stop in the UK mainland instead.

It happened as the plane reached Liverpool and was about to make its final approach.

A joint statement from the Isle of Man government and Aurigny said: ‘A rugby charter from Guernsey to the Isle of Man made an unscheduled stop in Manchester briefly due to air traffic control in the Isle of Man not being open initially.

‘Both the Isle of Man government and Aurigny would like to apologise for the delay incurred, which was due to a communication breakdown.

‘The flight continued on to the Isle of Man with no further issues and the return flight was delayed an hour-and-a-half to ensure that the rugby match was completed in good time.

‘Aurigny and the Isle of Man government continue to work together and are proud of the air bridge between the islands which has enabled many locals to take holidays and also competitive sporting events to be held with no restrictions.’

The Aurigny ATR landed at Manchester at just after 9am. It left after more than two hours on the ground and arrived at Ronaldsway at 12.20pm.