Following concerns and considerable negative public feedback to the revelations that Aurigny is likely to have some 5,000 fewer seats available over the course of the year following its switch from Dornier aircraft to Twin Otters, the States said it was working hard at this ‘priority’ area, exploring various connectivity initiatives, including ferries with Guernsey and Jersey in a bid for a ‘substantial summer connectivity programme’.
The committee accepted that overall availability of seats on the Twin Otter was limited in comparison to the Dornier, but said that those aircraft were rarely travelling at full capacity.
‘The published schedule for 2026 will still ensure that the number of passengers able to travel to and from the island exceeds the annual passenger movements completed in recent years and Aurigny are confident that they will carry at least as many passengers to and from Alderney in summer 2026 as they did in summer 2025,’ it said.
A lack of refuelling capability in Alderney is restricting passenger numbers and the committee said it was also trying to address that issue.
‘Connectivity is obviously of prime importance for the economy and wellbeing of the island,’ said Economic Development chairman Stuart Clark.
‘We have had a number of productive meetings with Aurigny management, who have been working incredibly hard to provide Alderney with the best service possible, within the constraints of a PSO that has been significantly reduced in recent years. I thank them for their hard work and look forward to a very successful 2026.’
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