18 months before work can begin on resurfacing Alderney's runway

Friday, 11 September 2026 12:49

By Euan Mahy

The delay is because a new design is needed now that the runway does not need to be widened.

The Twin Otters used by Skybus mean that the runway does not have to be widened by around 15 feet to 23 metres, which makes the project cheaper and simpler.

But it does mean new drawings, which will now look at the intersection of the tarmac and grass runways, which will be kept.

This 'A' design, similar to WW2 airfields, enables planes to operate in crosswinds.

The States Trading Supervisory Board say the new plans will take several months to draw up and then a contractor has to be appointed, pushing back the project to Spring 2028.

Deputy Yvonne Burford says Guernsey has promised to keep patching the tarmac to keep the airport operational until the runway can be resurfaced:

"The Policy & Resources Committee remains committed to the rehabilitation of Alderney Airport’s asphalt runway as soon as is practically possible.

"In the meantime, the runway patching programme will continue to ensure that air services to Alderney are able to continue to operate."

Senior Alderney politician Jeannie Cameron describes the delay as "disappointing" - a sentiment likely to be echoed by islanders already unhappy with air links:

"This provides much-needed certainty for Alderney’s hospitality and tourism sector, allowing businesses to plan for a business-as-usual 2027 season.

"(We) welcome agreement that Policy and Finance will receive regular updates from the Runway Project Board as the project progresses.”