It will impact services between Guernsey and Alderney and Alderney and Southampton.
Skybus CEO Stuart Reid apologised for the level of sickness.
‘We recognise that the level of service provided by Skybus at present neither meets Aurigny’s expectations nor the needs of the community,’ he said.
‘We remain committed to working closely with our colleagues at Aurigny to improve the reliability of the service we provide.’
Aurigny has denied rumours on social media suggesting that all of its services to and from Alderney over the next few days have been cancelled. The majority of its planned schedule is expected to operate.
The airline said those impacted were being contacted either directly by the airline or the responsible travel agent for bookings made through third parties.
Wherever possible, alternative transportation will be offered.
Complaints raised on social media included that the Aurigny app was shutting down any option to change existing flights by simply stating that nothing was available for the next three or four days, and that WhatsApp response times have stretched into hours between messages.
‘The apparent failure to communicate openly, promptly and consistently now feels systemic,’ said one person.
‘If staff shortages are contributing to the disruption, passengers deserve a clear explanation of the problem, its likely duration and the measures being taken to maintain essential services. The lack of communication and apparent shortcomings in contingency planning are having a serious impact on residents, families, employers and the island’s future.’
Alderney States member Steve Roberts, a noted recent critic of the airline, said that an Alderney service needed to be based in Guernsey, or preferably Alderney.
‘Aurigny contracted the Alderney service out to a company based in the UK, a first and defining mistake, that impacted on an already underperforming operation from Guernsey,’ he said.
‘Matters were made worse, underpinned by far too few aircraft and far too few crew for the needs of Alderney to access firstly our medical need, and secondly our declining economy. I feel for both companies, however mistakes have been made with underestimating its ability to provide an absolute lifeline to Alderney, its people, and their very lives.’
Mr Roberts said policymakers needed to recognise the gravity of a worsening situation, and start getting involved.
‘It would result in an emergency not seen since the war for our small but close community for health needs. People could die and it is no exaggeration,’ he said.
‘I believe that our political winds need to recognise the risks, and cast from a different direction. Our friends in Guernsey need to get involved and see the real desperation and dangers of Alderney’s fast-unravelling lifeline.’
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