Apologies after flight diverted 800ft from runway

Guernsey Ports has launched a review of its extension policy following the incident

Government and airline officials have apologised after a flight had to turn around and return to its destination 800ft [244m] from Guernsey's runway.

The Sunday evening Aurigny flight from Exeter to Guernsey was scheduled to depart at 19:05 BST but due to delays it was not in the air until 23:09.

The airline said air traffic control had agreed to extend its opening hours until 23:35 but the flight missed this window by about "90 seconds".

Guernsey Ports, Aurigny and the States Trading Supervisory Board [STSB] have apologised for the disruption with Guernsey Ports starting a review of its extension policy.

'Strict cut off time'

Guernsey Ports managing director Colin Le Ray said it was the first time he had experienced "an event of this nature" in more than 20 years working at the airport.

He said the aviation industry is "highly regulated" with rules which are "not open to negotiation or individual discretion".

Mr Le Ray said air traffic control officers have strict limits on the hours they work.

“So while we can extend the airport’s opening hours to accommodate flights that have been delayed earlier in the day, there still needs to be a strict cut off time," he said.

Mr Le Ray added that Guernsey Ports would review its extension policy and how it could best be applied in future.

'Very regrettable'

An Aurigny spokesperson said technical issues with two of its ATR aircraft caused delays which resulted in the late take off from Exeter.

The airline said it had "an agreement with air traffic control" to extend Guernsey Airport opening hours.

However, shortly before landing and with the aircraft "800ft from the runway", air traffic control diverted the flight back to Exeter as "the extended airport hours would have been missed by approximate 90 seconds".

The airline apologised and said it would be working with Guernsey Ports to "seek a more effective resolution to schedule recovery".

Deputy Peter Roffey, the president of the STSB, "apologised unreservedly" to passengers.

He said: “Clearly this is a result of operational decisions, but from an STSB perspective it is incredibly disappointing given that we are responsible for both Aurigny and Guernsey Ports.

"We are seeking to fully understand from them what happened, but it is clearly very regrettable".