There was disruption for about an hour after a private business jet landed safely at 10.39 after reporting an engine fault and declaring an emergency.
The aircraft, which was en route from Geneva to Jersey, was authorised to divert to Guernsey.
Following an initial inspection by the Airport Fire Service, permission was received from the Air Accidents Investigation Branch at about 11.15 to move the aircraft from the runway. Airport operations resumed at 11.28.
A few hours later the national problem took over.
National Air Traffic Services, which is responsible for the UK’s air traffic control systems, said in mid-afternoon that it had identified an issue with its flight processing system, but flights were still departing and airspace was open.
Flights across the Channel Islands faced delays, including flights to and from Guernsey, and Gatwick was among the UK airports affected.
By late afternoon it was expected that flights would resume as normal at about 9pm.
‘Guernsey Ports is working closely with airlines and operational partners to manage disruption. Provision has been made to extend airport operating hours this evening if required,’ said airport director Richard Thomasson.
Jersey and Alderney flights were the only ones to move during the afternoon, but others were expected to arrive after 6pm. Some were cancelled.
Aurigny advised of delays on its routes at 3pm but still asked passengers to check in on time.
You need to be logged in to comment.