Passengers using Guernsey Airport have been experiencing a second day of widespread delays and cancellations due to heavy fog.
The weather is clearing at the airport at the time of writing, but at least nine inbound and eight outbound flights have been delayed so far today.
Fog last night meant the planes were unable to get in, meaning the aircraft and crew were in the wrong places to start work this morning regardless of today’s weather.
This impacted on the red eye departures to London City and Gatwick, which both took off more than five hours late, while the first expected arrivals into Guernsey were around four hours late landing.
At the time of writing, the lunchtime arrivals and departures are running around one hour late.
The situation yesterday was more bleak with 69.5% of flights cancelled.
78% of arrivals (18 flights) and 60% of departures (14) were called off with the planes grounded by the fog or having to return to their point of origin.
Guernsey Airport said last night that staff were working hard to support passengers impacted by the delays.
Guernsey Airport Director Richard Thomasson said: “We know how important travel plans are at this time of year.
“We are working closely with Aurigny and other partners to support passengers who are stranded and require hotel accommodation this evening.”
Express understands that up to 30 people were left to find shelter after their flights were canceled last night leaving them stuck at Guernsey Airport.
A passenger due to fly to Alderney has told us they were able to stay with a friend before sailing home today, but other people were being told that hotels were full at around 18:00 when it became clear that the fog was not lifting.
Express understands that Civil Protection volunteers helped to set up camp beds for those who needed shelter at Styx.