The extreme heat this week caused tech issues at Guernsey Airport with the air conditioning and security screening equipment both struggling to cope.

A passenger travelling through the airport on Thursday told Express that it was “savagely hot” inside the terminal and was “incredibly uncomfortable” for everyone.

He said that airlines had been telling passengers to arrive at check in early due to a technical issue, meaning there was a large number of people in the departure lounge at the same time.

A spokesperson for Guernsey Ports confirmed that the record temperatures the island has had this week caused “intermittent issues” with the air-conditioning system and security screening equipment within the terminal building.

Pictured: Guernsey’s highest ever temperature was recorded on Thursday afternoon at 15:32 BST.

Temperatures have risen steadily throughout the week, reaching a maximum of 36.4c on Thursday afternoon before reducing to 19c this morning.

The island’s official temperature is recorded at Guernsey Airport.

The passenger who spoke to Express said they arrived early to check in for their flight and found it “stifling” inside the terminal.

Security staff told him that “it has been like this all week”.

“It was honestly awful for the airport staff,” he said. “We were able to leave when our flights were called, but they had to carry on working. They were all still happy but it must have been unbearable for them as it was like a greenhouse in there.”

The Guernsey Ports spokesperson told Express that “well established airport contingency measures” were put in place to help ease the conditions in the departure lounge as the temperature reached its record high.

This was necessary “to maintain safe, secure, and continuous operations while prioritising the wellbeing of travellers and airport staff,” they said.

This included installing industrial fans to improve air circulation, and giving out free bottled water to passengers.

Over three days around 120 cases were distributed, they said.

“Further interim measures are being taken in the following weeks to improve the resilience of air-conditioning systems across the terminal building,” the spokesperson added.

“We are grateful to passengers for their patience and understanding during this period.”

Travellers are now advised to check-in as normal, to avoid spending more time than necessary in the airport terminal while it is hot.