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Passengers travelling to and from Alderney over the next month could be affected by reduced opening hours at the island's airport.
On Tuesday 9, Monday 15 and Wednesday 17 April the airport will only be open between 8:00 and 13:00 and then again between 14:30 and 18:00.
Alderney Airport would usually be open from 07:40 until 18:30 from Monday to Thursday but has had to reduce its hours due to a shortage of Air Traffic Controller cover in the island.
Aurigny is in the process of contacting affected customers and will be moving the timings of its flights to avoid airfield closure times.
"Alderney Airport Air Traffic Controller coverage has been supplemented by two Guernsey-based controllers working with their Alderney colleagues to maintain the required cover," said Head of Aviation Services Ash Nicholas. "We have tried to build reduced cover for these three days around Aurigny's schedule gaps for Alderney passenger service as much as possible. However, it is acknowledged that it may mean some passenger flight timings may have to change slightly. Thankfully, our local trainee Air Traffic Controller in Alderney will qualify soon which will ease the situation and reduce the need for shorter operational hours.
Pictured: Flights to and from Alderney Airport will be affected by the reduced opening hours.
"We understand this will cause some irritation to airport users, however public safety is paramount and we have explored all other options before taking this decision."
Air Traffic Control Manager Leah Jeffreys added: "The maintenance of safety underpins the ATC operation, and it is essential that we maintain safe working practices for our air traffic control staff, where the risk of fatigue has to be removed from this highly specialised environment. The decision has not been taken lightly and all other options have been explored."
Emergency medical evacuation flights out of Alderney will not be affected by the decision.
Alderney Airport has apologised for any inconvenience.
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