Urgent repairs to Alderney runway sees flights cancelled

Engineers worked to repair the asphalt runway after the airport closed on Friday evening. The airport was unable to reopen until the concrete had been fully cured.

It was initially hoped the runway would be ready to resume operation from 9.30am, but the curing time was affected by the low temperatures during the day. Three flights to Alderney were scheduled at 8.55am, 1.10pm and 5.30pm with returns at 12.30pm and 6.35pm.

Alderney politician Alex Snowdon said he was getting increasingly worried for the community as a result of the deterioration of the runway.

The island’s football team was due to play in Guernsey during the afternoon, but cancelled the game shortly after 10am after it was advised they were unlikely to fly before 3pm.

‘Sporting events between islands are really important for our clubs and community as the islands come together over sporting competitions,’ said Mr Snowdon.

‘To hear the match was cancelled due to the condition of the runway is really concerning for those players looking forward to the game.

'I am getting increasingly worried this is now becoming normal life for Alderney’s community as the runway enters end of life.’

Guernsey Ports said that inspections had been carried out through the day as to whether the runway could reopen.

But eventually, following consultation with Aurigny and the pavement specialist, it was decided to close the runway for the entirety of Saturday and resume normal operations on Sunday. The grass runway 13 remained open for private aircraft.

The island has been waiting for years for a full runway rehabilitation, but is currently in limbo, waiting to see what the States of Guernsey plans to do after an ambitious project to rebuild the airport was scrapped late last year after tenders came in 50% above what the States had budgeted.

The footballers were due to fly at 12.30 and became aware of the travel issues at about 10am. For various reasons, including not enough seats available on flights, weather and Guernsey pitch conditions, they have not played since Christmas.

‘It is deeply frustrating for both players and supporters based in Guernsey when we are unable to travel to represent Alderney,’ said Rob Kirkland, acting chairman of Alderney FC.

‘While we acknowledge the challenges posed by weather conditions and understand when planes experience technical difficulties, it becomes increasingly disheartening when the weather is clear and planes are ready to fly, when the reasons for the delay today come to light.

‘This only adds further complications for the dedicated volunteers who work tirelessly to ensure these men have the opportunity to compete and represent the island.’