Getting home for Christmas made tricky by the weather

Both ferries and Alderney flights have been battling against the weather over the last few days, and more disruption is expected.

Condor has been endeavouring to stay ahead of the changeable forecast.

An Voyager extra sailing between Guernsey, Jersey and France has been scheduled for today, as bad weather is expected to disrupt sailings planned for tomorrow and Friday.

Tomorrow’s Liberation sailing between the islands and Poole has also been cancelled, with a new service put on today.

The company has warned of significant disruption to conventional and high-speed services for freight and passengers following recent weather-related cancellations.

Condor’s operations director Elwyn Dop said the company was trying to keep customers informed.

‘The forecast has been, and continues to be, really changeable, so using the best available data at the time, we have been prudent by contacting travellers in advance to notify them of the potential for disruption and to offer alternatives wherever possible,’ he said.

‘The new departures are operating from Poole to Guernsey and Jersey, and from St Malo to both islands on Wednesday.

‘We apologise for the inconvenience caused, but the conditions are very unpredictable and subject to constant change.

‘We are, however, looking to ensure that passengers arrive at their destination within 24 hours of their original booking and that freight will also reach the islands in time for Christmas.’

Strong winds at the weekend also caused problems.

Flights between Guernsey and Alderney restarted yesterday, after planes were grounded on Sunday and Monday due to strong crosswinds and wet weather in Alderney.

Five flights were operated to Alderney yesterday.

There are 14 flights from Guernsey to Alderney before Christmas. Five of them are listed as sold out.

A Guernsey Met Office spokesman said it was expecting the mild weather to continue up Christmas, with wet and windy conditions.

‘The strongest winds likely on Friday/Saturday, with a south-westerly force six,’ he said. ‘Temperatures in double figures with a forecast maximum, at this stage, of 11C for Christmas Day, so no white Christmas.’

‘There's some uncertainty after Boxing Day, but it looks like remaining on the mild side with strong winds at times, as we head into the New Year.’