Resignation and isolation see Aurigny cancel flights

Friday 28 August 2020

Aurigny has been forced to cancel some of its flights over the long weekend after Guernsey's self-isolation rules and a sudden resignation hit staffing.

The airline announced yesterday that crew shortages meant that it was having to cancel some of its flights to Alderney - with some Sunday services also at risk - dashing the hopes of Guernsey people hoping to rock-hop over the long weekend.

For Dornier flights to run safely and operate in accordance with regulations, a First Officer and a Captain must conduct each flight.

Aurigny says this is not possible due to "a catalogue of events" that has left the airline with a shortage of First Officers for a number of flights. It has attributed the cancellations to:

• crew members being in quarantine following period of essential training in Germany;
• the unexpected resignation of a First Officer;
• being unable to use UK contractors due to quarantine restrictions;
• delays in training newly recruited pilots due to covid-related restrictions on access to European simulators (the only one available to Aurigny);
• and pilots flying the maximum permitted hours.

Pictured: A number of Alderney services this Bank Holiday weekend have been pulled due to staff shortages on the Dorniers.

Chief Executive Mark Darby said the situation was "just about manageable" until a member of crew was signed off sick this week.

"The crew operating the Alderney route have been busier than ever this summer and I would like to personally thank them all for their hard work," he said.

"It is hugely regrettable for Aurigny that this is happening on the last Bank Holiday of the summer when many people had booked Staycations in Alderney and Guernsey. We are doing everything we can to help make alternative arrangements for all of our customers."