Airport shut as Blue Islands flight suffers “technical issue”

The runway was closed at 08:42 while the plane landed, with the Airport Fire & Rescue Service meeting it as it touched down.

Pictured: The Blue Islands flight took off and immediately returned.

Passengers were taken back to the terminal on a bus, while the ATR 72-500 was towed off the runway.

A Blue Islands spokesperson said: “Flight SI4408 from Guernsey to Jersey this morning (10 January) returned to Guernsey reporting a technical issue; the aircraft landed safely and was met by the emergency services as is standard procedure.

“We apologise for the inconvenience to our passengers who have been rebooked on to an additional service to Jersey at 11:30. Safety of our passengers, crew and aircraft is our number one priority at all times.”

It did not confirm what the technical issue was.

Flights from Southampton and Gatwick were held overhead during the closure.

Aurigny’s Alderney flight, due to leave at 08:55, was also delayed.

The runway reopened at 09:50.

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Pictured top: A technical issue on a Blue Islands flight forced the airport closure.