The States of Alderney has moved to reassure residents and businesses that passenger connectivity will remain strong in 2026, following reported concerns about seat availability on routes to and from the island.

The island’s Economic Development Committee said it was preparing a “substantial summer connectivity programme” for 2026, including ferry services to both Guernsey and Jersey, with full details to be published in due course.

The committee stressed that transport links remain a top priority and said it continued to explore ways to strengthen both air and sea connections to support Alderney’s economy and complement existing services provided by Aurigny.

The reassurance comes amid recent media reports raising questions about capacity on Aurigny’s Twin Otter aircraft, which has fewer seats than the Dornier aircraft previously used on the route.

Addressing those concerns directly, the committee said that while overall seat availability on the Twin Otter is more limited, the published 2026 schedule would still allow more passengers to travel to and from Alderney than in recent years.

According to the statement, States-owned Aurigny is confident it will carry at least as many passengers during summer 2026 as it did in summer 2025, despite the change in aircraft type.

The committee added that work is already underway to improve refuelling capability at Alderney Airport, which it said would allow greater payloads and increased flight rotations in the 2026 timetable and beyond.

Stuart Clark, Chairman of Alderney’s Economic Development Committee, said maintaining reliable transport links was critical for both the island’s economy and residents’ wellbeing.

“Connectivity is obviously of prime importance for the economy and wellbeing of the island,” he said. “We have had a number of productive meetings with Aurigny management, who have been working incredibly hard to provide Alderney with the best service possible, within the constraints of a PSO that has been significantly reduced in recent years.”

Mr Clark thanked the airline for its efforts and said he was looking ahead positively to the year ahead.

“I thank them for their hard work and look forward to a very successful 2026,” he added.

The committee said further announcements on Alderney’s summer connectivity programme would follow once plans are finalised.

Meanwhile, the States of Alderney are still appealing for potential operators for its summer ferry link this year.

The opportunity is open to operators with vessels carrying up to 12 passengers, to run services from the Spring Bank Holiday at the end of May through to the end of September 2026.

The successful applicant will also have the option to extend the service into the 2027 and 2028 seasons, subject to review by both parties.

The closing date for expressions of interest is 9 January 2026.