Guernsey Ports implements new safety procedures for pigeon racing
- Guernsey Ports and the Royal Pigeon Racing Association have agreed on new safety protocols.
- The agreement allows for the resumption of large-scale pigeon racing on the island.
- Safety measures were prompted due to concerns over increasing pigeon release requests.
- Revised risk assessments and operational procedures will be in place for larger events.
- Smaller, local pigeon release protocols will remain unchanged.
Guernsey Ports has announced that, following productive discussions, it has reached an agreement with the Royal Pigeon Racing Association to implement new safety procedures for large-scale pigeon releases.
This agreement, which has the backing of the Office of the Director of Civil Aviation (Channel Islands), will enable the return of racing pigeons to the skies over Guernsey.
Large pigeon racing releases were suspended starting in April due to safety concerns regarding the frequency and scale of the events.
The number of requests for releases had escalated from three in 2022, to 17 in 2023, 29 in 2024, and 13 in the first four months of 2025.
In light of this increase, Guernsey Ports, supported by the ODCA, requested more comprehensive risk assessments and operational procedures from race organisers before any further permissions could be issued.
Through ongoing cooperation, Guernsey Ports and the RPRA have developed an agreement that facilitates the resumption of racing activities under newly established risk assessments and operational protocols.
These updated measures are specifically focused on large-scale pigeon releases, while existing protocols for smaller, local events will continue unchanged.
Richard Thomasson, Airport Director at Guernsey Ports, said: “We have worked closely with the RPRA to reach a practical solution that upholds aviation safety while enabling the resumption of larger scale pigeon racing activities.”
The newly sanctioned safety measures involve improved planning and the introduction of a new permit scheme, which will be coordinated by the RPRA.
“The safety measures also include greater coordination and oversight of race timings to avoid conflicts with air traffic and real-time communication protocols between race organisers and air traffic control,” Thomasson added.
Chris Sutton, CEO of the RPRA, said: “This agreement reflects a collaborative effort to ensure that all necessary protocols and safety measures are in place, allowing the continuation of this valued tradition under carefully controlled conditions.”
Comments ()