Hundreds of people were stuck in Guernsey overnight after fog caused problems at the island’s airport on Wednesday.
Most of them were able to stay overnight in hotels and guesthouses, but some were almost left without a bed for the night.
Styx Community Centre stepped in to open up its rooms for accommodation with transport, hot and cold refreshments and bedding all provided.
A States’ spokesperson confirmed to Express that a multi agency approach had seen many people work together to accommodate everyone affected by the fog which rolled in on Wednesday and eventually starting to clear on Thursday afternoon.
“Teams across the States of Guernsey, Guernsey Ports, Aurigny, and the wider community worked together to ensure secure overnight accommodation for any air passengers who were stranded in Guernsey last night,” they said.
The spokesperson confirmed that hundreds people were affected by the “significant disruption” caused by the persistent fog, “resulting in widespread delays and cancellations to flights”.
“The majority of passengers (319) who were stranded in Guernsey overnight were successfully accommodated in hotels and guesthouses, thanks to the efforts of the airlines and VisitGuernsey,” the spokesperson said.
“With available bed stock at full capacity, contingency arrangements were activated and the Styx Community Centre was opened for anyone unable to secure overnight accommodation.
“In total, 31 passengers were accommodated overnight at Styx. Full support, including transport, hot and cold refreshments, and bedding, were provided.”
Richard Thomasson, Guernsey Airport Director, said he was very grateful to everyone who helped accommodate the stranded passengers.
He also wanted to thank those passengers directly.
“I firstly want to thank the affected passengers for their patience and cooperation during the significant disruption,” he said.
“A variety of teams and those in the community worked late into the night, in what was a great collaborative effort, to ensure overnight accommodation was secured for all passengers affected by the weather disruption.
“I extend my personal thanks to the staff across our organisation for their efforts, including VisitGuernsey and Guernsey Police. A special mention goes to those in the community who went over and above to help, from the Styx Community Centre, Guernsey Civil Protection, Island Coachways, Longfrie Inn and other individuals and businesses who provided refreshments, support and transport.
“Passengers travelling today are advised to check with their airlines for the latest flight information and to allow extra time for travel to and from the airport. Guernsey Airport has proactively agreed an extension to tonight’s operating hours to 23:35, in order to support flight schedules.
“Guernsey Ports thanks the whole island community who pulled together to support the passengers impacted by the weather disruption.”