An airport on a Channel Island near the UK is poised to close for an "extended period" as part of a major £24 million runway renovation project. Alderney airport could be shut for up to eight months next year to facilitate the reconstruction and widening of its main runway, sparking warnings from residents about potential isolation.
Runway Upgrade Plans and Potential Impact
The States of Guernsey government has indicated that to complete the works efficiently and cost-effectively, Alderney's airport may need to close for a significant duration. In a statement, they emphasised, "Should this be necessary, notice will be given, and arrangements will be made to provide alternative travel options, including provision for emergency medical evacuations." This move aims to meet minimum aerodrome standards by widening the runway from 18 to 23 metres, while maintaining its current length of 877 metres.
Project Details and Timeline
The proposed renovation, scheduled to begin in April 2027 with an estimated completion in December, includes not only the runway work but also resurfacing the main asphalt taxiway and apron, installing modern drainage systems, and upgrading airfield lighting. The extensive ground works are expected to affect the future use of two existing grass runways utilised by private aircraft.
Deputy Lindsay de Sausmarez, president of the Policy and Resources Committee, described the project as "vital to maintaining Alderney's connectivity for the benefit of the island's community." She added, "The approach we're recommending aims to deliver a compliant, practical and proportionate solution within the current fiscal constraints. Delegated authority to approve the business case and early contractor engagement will be key to the most timely and cost-effective delivery."
Community Concerns and Historical Context
Residents have expressed alarm over the potential closure, with Chris Blythe, an Alderney resident and pilot, telling BBC News that the "brutal" airport shutdown could leave islanders "cut off." Blythe remarked, "I think it's going to be pretty brutal for the people on the island to be cut off, and there's been nothing said yet about how we would get to Guernsey or the mainland."
Alderney, the closest Channel Island to England's south coast, opened its aviation hub in 1936 as the first operational airport in the archipelago. In 2024, the airport handled approximately 47,700 passengers, with no direct flights to London; current routes operate via Guernsey or Southampton on a daily basis.
Financial and Logistical Considerations
The government is set to debate the final business case and budget in February to authorise the Policy and Resources Committee to proceed. De Sausmarez highlighted the urgency, stating, "This is lifeline infrastructure for the community in Alderney, and we're committed to bringing it in as efficiently as we can, as well as at the lowest possible cost. That may mean some disruption for residents in Alderney during the construction process, but any delay risks pushing the project into 2028."
As plans advance, the focus remains on balancing infrastructure improvements with the essential travel needs of islanders, ensuring that connectivity is maintained despite the anticipated disruptions.
