Bob the pigeon can breathe easy... Racing returns to Guernsey skies

Pigeon racing has been given the all-clear to resume in Guernsey – after new safety rules were agreed to ensure the birds don’t clash with air traffic.

Large-scale releases were grounded in April following concerns about the sheer number of races taking place.

Thirteen had already been held in the first four months of this year, compared to 29 during the whole of last year, 17 during 2023 and just three in 2022.

Safety first

Guernsey Ports said they wanted to avoid any risk to aircraft, asking race organisers to submit detailed risk assessments before any further launches could be approved.

Bird strikes are a known and common threat to aircraft.

Guernsey Ports has said there were 36 confirmed bird strikes at Guernsey Airport last year – but it did not say that any involved pigeons.

Past bird strikes have resulted in damage to aircraft at Guernsey Airport, including an incident in 2023 involving Aurigny’s Embraer Jet.

Guernsey Ports said that large numbers of pigeons being released poses a specific risk, though, because they will initially form a large flock, and therefore present a greater hazard to aircraft than individual birds.

They also large and fly at relatively high speed, making it more difficult for the pilot or birds to take evasive action, and at the height which aircraft will be at during the critical phase of take-off and landing.

Ready for lift-off once more

Now, after working with the Royal Pigeon Racing Association (RPRA) and the Director of Civil Aviation, a new system has been agreed allowing the races to return – under tighter control.

The changes include a new permit scheme managed by the RPRA, more advanced planning, and real-time communication with Air Traffic Control to ensure races don’t conflict with flights.

“We’ve worked closely with the RPRA to reach a practical solution that upholds aviation safety while enabling the resumption of larger-scale pigeon racing,” said Airport Director Richard Thomasson.

RPRA CEO Chris Sutton added: “This agreement reflects a collaborative effort to ensure that all necessary protocols and safety measures are in place, allowing the continuation of this valued tradition.”