G. Mudalige, Jadetimes Staff
G. Mudalige is a Jadetimes news reporter covering Technology & Innovation
A recent independent report highlights a pressing issue for Guernsey air travelers: ticket prices on high-demand UK routes are up to 30% higher compared to neighboring islands like Jersey and the Isle of Man. Commissioned by the Committee for Economic Development (CED) in August, the report examines the island's air connectivity, reliability, and affordability between 2010 and 2023.
While the report acknowledges Guernsey's commendable performance in connectivity and reliability, it underscores the affordability challenge that continues to impact residents, businesses, and visitors. Guernsey boasts a similar number of routes and flights as its counterparts and has recorded fewer delays and cancellations over the years. However, the significantly higher airfares detract from these achievements and raise concerns about the island's economic accessibility and tourism appeal.
CED President Deputy Neil Inder addressed these findings, stating that while Guernsey’s approach to air connectivity has proven effective in ensuring consistent links to the UK, the high cost of flights remains a significant barrier. “Passenger figures are still recovering to pre-pandemic levels,” Inder noted, “and affordability is an area where improvement is urgently needed.” He emphasized that air connectivity plays a critical role in supporting local businesses and the broader economy, making it vital to address pricing concerns.
The issue of affordability extends beyond Guernsey’s links to mainland UK. In November, the States of Guernsey announced an increase in airfares for flights to and from Alderney in a bid to reduce taxpayer spending. This measure, while fiscally necessary, has drawn attention to the broader challenge of balancing financial sustainability with accessibility for travelers.
Aurigny, the island’s state-owned airline, has faced its own challenges, particularly in maintaining a stable and experienced workforce. A review commissioned by the States Trading Supervisory Board in August highlighted pilot availability and retention as a significant risk to the airline’s future operations. As a result, the focus has shifted to leveraging state-owned assets like Aurigny and Guernsey Airport as tools for economic growth, with a call for measures that support affordability and long-term reliability.
Inder reiterated the importance of aligning aviation policies with the island’s economic objectives. "Price and affordability are crucial factors influencing business decisions to use Guernsey as a base,” he stated. The CED intends to incorporate the findings of this report into a broader review of the Air Transport Licensing Policy Statement. A detailed briefing for States members and business representatives is scheduled for February to address potential solutions.
The high cost of air travel to and from Guernsey presents a significant obstacle to the island’s ambitions of fostering economic growth and enhancing tourism. With passenger demand still rebounding from pandemic-related disruptions, the focus now turns to developing strategies that balance affordability, sustainability, and reliability. As discussions continue, the outcomes will undoubtedly shape the island’s air transport landscape and its accessibility to the wider world.
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