Alderney Airport’s runway is undergoing routine patching and sealing maintenance twice a year, costing Guernsey Ports around £400,000 annually, the States of Guernsey have confirmed.
New proposals have been submitted by the States of Alderney for a full, “cost-effective” rehabilitation of the runway and associated infrastructure to meet safety standards.
Following works back in May this year which involved patching and sealing degraded areas over 10 nights using specialist materials, with States Members and operations staff from Alderney given a site tour, Alderney States Member Alex Snowdon suggested costs could have been up to £600,000 per year.
An airport spokesperson commented: “A detailed inspection is carried out by pavement specialists every six months, to inform the priorities for the next phase of maintenance. Our contractors then carry out work each spring and autumn. The annual cost of this programme is around £400,000.”
They continued: “Guernsey Ports closely monitors the condition of the asphalt runway at Alderney Airport and is carrying out a programme of preventative maintenance to minimise potential disruption.”