Work on Alderney’s new runway could start as early as April 2027, if plans by Policy and Resources to fast-track it are approved.
Guernsey’s top committee said it was “seeking to expedite” the repairs by asking the States to delegate authority to it over the £24 million budget it approved last April.
The latest scheme would keep the runway at its current length (877 metres) but it would be widened from 18 to 23 metres.
Deputy Lindsay de Sausmarez, P&R president, said the project was “vital”, but giving P&R full control over the project would be key to “timely and cost-effective delivery”.
The work was due to be completed by the end of 2027, a spokesperson for P&R said.
The States of Alderney said it welcomed P&R’s proposals, with Bill Abel, the Chairman of Alderney’s Policy & Finance committee, adding that Alderney was looking forward to “working closely” with politicians and civil servants in Guernsey.
Years in the making
Plans to repair and modernise Alderney’s runway have been in discussion for years, so residents and visitors will be hoping the latest plan is not another false dawn.
The widened runway – which would also have improved drainage – would be suitable for ‘Type B’ planes, like Aurigny’s Dorniers and its leased Twin Otters.
However, the airline’s 72-seater ATR planes would need a longer runway, so plans for a single fleet of ATRs have had to be abandoned.
P&R said the airport’s longer grass runway – which is not used by commercial planes – could permanently close, but the shorter one will be “retained to provide alternative taxiway access to the main runway”.