Nine Jersey passengers spend night at Guernsey Airport

Nine people slept on blow-up beds in Guernsey Airport this weekend when their flight to Jersey was cancelled.

The stranded passengers had been due into Jersey on Saturday (7 September) on the Blue Islands flight SI4432. 

The service was delayed, then eventually cancelled at 9.30pm due to bad weather.

A Blue Islands spokesman said: “The inter-island service was disrupted due to severe thunderstorms over Jersey at around the time of the departure from Jersey to Guernsey.

“Hotels in Guernsey were full. Our airport representatives explored other options with local authorities, however no alternative accommodation options were available.

Nine of the 19 people booked onto the flight were unable to find accommodation for the night in Guernsey at short-notice, with venues busy as the island was hosting Channel Islands Pride.

Guernsey Ports, which had already agreed to keep the airport open until 11.35pm to help airlines get their flights away, contacted Guernsey Civil Protection volunteers to help the passengers.

Air mattresses and sleeping bags were brought in and set up on the airport’s mezzanine floor. 

Bottled water was provided too, and the cafe opened early on Sunday morning to serve breakfast. 

The airline's spokesperson continued:

“We thank Guernsey Airport for keeping the terminal open and providing provisions for passengers.

“Disruption is the last resort, however safety of our passengers, crew and aircraft is always our number one priority. 

“While these circumstances were out of our control we apologise for the inconvenience.”

Ross Coppolo, Guernsey Ports’ Chief Operating Officer, said, “The passengers from the cancelled inter island flight to Jersey were understandably upset and some were unable to secure accommodation for the night at short notice.

“Our teams acted quickly to make sure these passengers were well looked after and had a safe place to rest overnight. A few members of our team had to stay at the airport overnight themselves, for safety reasons, and others did not return home until after midnight. 

“I would like to personally thank them for their dedication and duty of care in challenging circumstances.

“We will be working with the operator to help ensure in future that appropriate customer care is provided to passengers in the event of any late cancellations of scheduled services.”