Last month Alderney submitted what it described as two fully-costed and ‘technically sound’ proposals for the runway to Deputy Mark Helyar, the president of the States Trading Supervisory Board.
The future of the runway has been a long-standing and expensive problem for both islands with patch repairs estimating to be costing £400,000 a year.
Alderney’s General Services Committee chairman Iain Macfarlane said the committee had constructive engagement with Deputy Helyar on the issue.
‘I value his willingness to discuss the runway’s future,’ he said. ‘However, there is real frustration in Alderney that the two fully developed proposals we have submitted have not yet been given the swift review the situation demands by Ports of Guernsey.’
He added that the States of Alderney was confident in the technical strength and practicality of the proposals.
‘Operationally they can be delivered in a short timeframe. We are now calling for a thorough review, followed by a firm resolution and a confirmed start date.
‘But we have not yet had an official response on this work or on other proposals we have sent to Ports.’
Deputy Helyar said that in April the States of Guernsey directed P&R to work with STSB and Alderney to prepare recommendations on the future of the island’s airport for a debate before the end of 2025.
‘That is to include a technical review to establish the lowest possible cost and most practical and pragmatic approach, to maintain an operational aerodrome in Alderney,’ he said.
‘That work needs to be completed before we can assess any proposals from potential contractors, against any revised scope.’
He added that Guernsey Ports was working to expedite that technical work.
‘In the meantime routine maintenance on the current asphalt runway will continue, to maintain the airport’s operation.
‘That, and a long-term solution for Alderney Airport, remain an immediate priority.’
The States of Guernsey backed an option for an extended runway with a new terminal and new fire station, with a budget up to £24m., in December 2022.
But as costs of the project escalated by more than 50% the idea was scrapped and a decision on the long-term future of the airport is still in limbo.
This had led to many of Alderney’s politicians to raise concerns on the continuing economic impact from the delays.
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