While that will be kept under review and arrangements may change as the conditions materialise, both island airports will be closed from tomorrow night until Friday.
That will mean that medevacs – operated by Aurigny inter-island and by Gama Aviation for Guernsey patients needing to go to the UK – will only go ahead in true emergencies that will be assessed at the time.
Storm Ciaran is due to hit the islands on Wednesday night, with conditions worsening through the early hours of Thursday when storm F10 winds are expected, at times of low pressure, and high tides.
Ahead of the 90mph winds, it’s already been announced that schools will stay closed on Thursday, anyone who can has been asked to stay at home, and Condor has cancelled or amended its ferry services.
Now, Guernsey Ports has said both Guernsey and Alderney airports will stay closed all day on Thursday and not reopen until 10:00 on Friday.
Currently both airports are due to stay open as normal tomorrow but it’s expected there’ll be some weather related disruptions, particularly later in the afternoon
Guernsey Ports said that any passengers booked to fly tomorrow should check with their airline before leaving home.
With the wind due to drop to F7 by Friday morning, the airports are likely to reopen at 10:00 after all safety checks have been carried out.
Staff are already working on arrangements to keep Guernsey Airport open until 23:45 and Alderney Airport until 21:00 on Friday so delayed passengers can travel.
Guernsey Ports Chief Operating Officer Ross Coppolo said further updates would be provided when available.
“We are having to respond to the anticipated extreme weather and some impact on travel was inevitable. We are continuing to work with our air and sea carriers and other stakeholders to keep the disruption to a minimum, but at the same time ensuring the safety of our staff and that of the public, which is our priority.”
READ MORE…
STORM CIARAN: Schools to close on Thursday
STORM CIARAN: What’s forecast?
