Alderney Airport is set to shut for an ‘extended period’ for a £24 million runway renovation.
The Channel Island airport could be closed for up to eight months next year to reconstruct and widen its main runway from 18 metres to 23 metres.
Plans also include resurfacing and realigning the main taxiway, installing a new drainage system and updating the airfield lighting system.
Construction is scheduled to begin in April 2027 and be completed by December of the same year.
The States of Guernsey Government said: “To complete the works in the shortest time and in the most cost-effective way, Alderney’s airport may need to close for an extended period.
“Should this be necessary, notice will be given and arrangements will be made to provide alternative travel options, including provision for emergency medical evacuations.”
Alderney Airport, which is the only airport on the island, opened in 1936 and was the first aviation hub in the Channel Islands.
Guernsey’s Policy and Resources Committee is seeking to expedite approval for the runway renovation to start early next year, which is ‘likely’ to impact the future use of the two existing grass runways, which are used by private aircraft, as the longer grass runway ‘may permanently close’, the committee has warned.
The government will debate the final business case and budget in February to decide whether the committee can proceed.
Policy and Resources Committee President Lindsay de Sausmarez said the project is ‘vital to maintaining Alderney’s connectivity for the benefit of the island’s community’, and would be ‘lifeline infrastructure’ for the island.
She added: “[The project] may mean some disruption for residents in Alderney during the construction process but any delay risks pushing the project into 2028. That would increase the likelihood of prolonged runway closure which would bring with it more disruption overall as well as additional expenditure which is why we are aiming to rehabilitate the runway as soon as practically possible.”
Currently, Southampton is the only British airport operating direct flights to Alderney.
Premier Holidays runs three-night Alderney stays utilising the flight from Southampton but the operator said that while the renovations could impact its trips, they will still be accessible via sea.
Director Mark Godfrey said: “Should these necessary repairs take place, there is only one direct flight from the UK to Alderney which is from Southampton so whilst that will be impacted, much of our business to Alderney is from island hopping, which will still be available by sea from Guernsey.”
