Enhanced checks and a permit system have satisfied the Guernsey authorities that mass releases can be resumed safely.
The release of homing pigeons at L'Ancresse ended in April because of fears that the birds were too close to aircraft approach routes into Guernsey.
Chris Sutton, the CEO of the Royal Pigeon Racing Association (RPRA) says the pastime is popular here because of Brexit and the complications of releasing birds in France:
"They could race overseas, which is the goal of long distance pigeon racing, from Guernsey, without going through the EU requirements, which made Guernsey a lot more popular."
Since the decision to stop racing, talks have taken place between Guernsey's Ports and aviation authorities and the RPRA.
Releases will now be more carefully planned, with more notice given and a permit system maintained by the RPRA.
Chris Sutton says there are more checks and balances in place now:
"I wanted to make sure every release in Guernsey was traceable and could only be booked through the RPRA.
"We issue a permit and this has to be quoted when the ferry crossing is booked and the event is booked with Air Traffic Control.
"The site agent who is a pigeon fancier from the local club will go down and make sure everything is safe and correct and he signs the permit to let us know the release was safe."
Guernsey Airport director, Richard Thomasson, says the new system is robust:
"The safety measures also include greater coordination and oversight of race timings to avoid conflicts with air traffic and real-time communication protocols between race organisers and air traffic control.
“These steps should ensure the safe integration of larger scale pigeon racing activities with the island’s air space.”
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