Guernsey and Alderney airports will both close early today ahead of the forecast peak of Storm Goretti.
Winds are predicted to start building from 18:00. Gusts up to force 12 are expected later tonight, with the peak around 21:00.
The winds are likely to be “well above safe operating limits” by early evening said a spokesperson for Guernsey Ports, meaning both Guernsey Airport and Alderney Airport will close at 18:00.
Afternoon flights to and from both islands are likely to be impacted by the strengthening winds too with airlines due to contact affected passengers with advice on how to rearrange their travel.
Some early morning departures will also be affected tomorrow.
The airport terminal in Guernsey is currently expected to reopen at 07:00 on Friday morning with early morning safety inspections being carried out first. This means the usual ‘red eye’ departures will be cancelled or delayed.
The first inbound flights tomorrow are currently expected to arrive in the island after 08:30 – with Aurigny’s 08:45 arrival from Southampton the earliest scheduled inbound service.
Passengers are asked to contact their airlines directly with any questions.
Guernsey Ports Airport Director, Richard Thomasson said the airport activated its contingency plans, after discussing the impending storm with airlines and other stakeholders.
“Severe weather events obviously pose particular challenges for air travel, and our priority first and foremost is the safety of the travelling public, as well as that of our own staff,” he said.
“Working with our airline partners and other stakeholders, we have agreed a plan that will keep everyone safe, but also minimise disruption and ensure operations return to normal as quickly as possible.”
Aurigny operates the majority of flights to and from Guernsey and all commercial flights to and from Alderney.
It confirmed that it has suspended all flights between 18:00 today and 08:30 tomorrow ahead of Storm Goretti reaching the Bailiwick this evening.
Passengers have been contacted and the airline is moving everyone it can to the next available service, said Philip Smallwood, the Chief Operations Officer at Aurigny.
Alternatively, passengers may claim a full refund if preferred, he said.
The airline has also activated its Weatherflex policy for those due to travel to or from Alderney tomorrow morning.
“Aurigny will always aim to operate its services in the spirit of bringing people home, but safety will always be our first priority,” said Mr Smallwood.
“The high degree of certainty in the forecast means we, along with our partners at Guernsey Ports, are taking the appropriate steps now to provide certainty and keep everyone safe.”
With Guernsey Airport being closed from 18:00 this evening until 08:30 tomorrow, Loganair’s 19:55 arrival from Jersey into Guernsey this evening, and its 07:15 departure from Guernsey to Jersey tomorrow are both cancelled.