Storm Austen grounds flights
- Storm Austen to bring extreme winds forcing flight cancellations at Guernsey and Alderney airports
- Last outbound flight from Guernsey departs at 2.40pm today to London Gatwick
- Guernsey Airport terminal expected to reopen from noon Friday with flights resuming around 2pm
- Alderney Airport closed until noon tomorrow with services expected to resume Friday afternoon
- Further disruption likely on Friday as strong winds forecast to continue into Saturday
Flights to and from Guernsey and Alderney will be severely disrupted this evening and tomorrow morning as Storm Austen brings extreme weather conditions to the islands.
Winds are forecast to reach speeds well above safe operating limits by this evening and continue throughout Friday morning, forcing airport authorities to cancel services and close facilities.
The last scheduled outbound flight from Guernsey today will depart at 2.40pm to London Gatwick. All remaining inbound flights today are cancelled.
The Guernsey Airport terminal is currently expected to open from noon on Friday, with flights resuming from around 2pm.
Safety inspections will be carried out in the morning before reopening, and an announcement will be made if there is any change of plan.
Remaining flights to and from Alderney are cancelled today, and the airport will remain closed until noon tomorrow, with services expected to resume tomorrow afternoon.
Scheduled flights at both airports may experience further disruption on Friday as airlines recover operations, with strong winds forecast throughout the afternoon and into Saturday.
Passengers booked to travel who are affected by the disruption should be advised by their airline of alternative arrangements available to them.
Richard Thomasson, Guernsey Ports Airport Director, said contingency plans were being activated with the help of airlines and other stakeholders.
"Severe weather events obviously pose particular challenges for air travel, and our priority first and foremost is the safety of both the travelling public and our own staff," he said.
"Working with our airline partners and other stakeholders, we have agreed a plan that will keep everyone safe, minimise disruption, and ensure operations return to normal as quickly as possible."
Guernsey Ports will provide updates via the airport's website and social media channels including Facebook, X and Instagram.
Q&A
Q: When will Guernsey Airport reopen?
A: The terminal is expected to open from noon on Friday, with flights resuming from around 2pm, subject to safety inspections in the morning.
Q: What should affected passengers do?
A: Passengers booked to travel who are impacted by the disruption should be advised by their airline of alternative arrangements available to them.
Q: When is the last flight departing Guernsey today?
A: The last scheduled outbound flight today will depart at 2.40pm to London Gatwick.
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