Guernsey Press

Some air passengers with hold baggage may face delays until spring due to new bag system

AIRLINE passengers travelling with hold baggage could face extra delays until spring next year as the airport makes improvements to its baggage handling system.

Published
There were big queues at the airport when work was carried out to the duty free shop and security area in 2018. (28663664)

The measures relate to the bags passengers check in.

Ross Coppolo, chief operations officer at Guernsey Ports, said: ‘We’d like to apologise to passengers who experience disruption at the airport as a result of these temporary measures and reassure them that this is a necessary part of our transition to an improved long-term system.’

He added: ‘Until the new system is in place, we are required by our regulators to implement extra controls that mean a few passengers will be randomly selected to have their hold baggage hand-searched.

‘Our security partner, G4S, will carry out these searches with discretion and professionalism and we appreciate passengers’ patience and cooperation while these additional controls are in place.’

Passengers who plan to check-in hold bags are being asked to allow increased time at the airport in the event that their luggage is selected for a hand search.

‘As a gesture to thank those who are selected for their cooperation, we are providing them with a voucher to spend on refreshments in the departure lounge,’ added Mr Coppolo.

‘We thank all passengers for their understanding while we complete this project, which will result in a modern and resilient system and a significant improvement in the passenger experience once completed in 2021.’

Those travelling with hand baggage only will not be subject to these controls.