Alderney passenger numbers "increasing once again"

Friday 10 May 2019

Alderney has seen a rise in the number of passengers travelling to and from the island, with a particular increase in those using the Southampton route.

So far this year, Alderney's passenger movements have grown by 6% compared to the same period last year.

Between 1 January and 30 April there were 14,205 movements overall, 8,465 of which were between Guernsey and Alderney and 5,740 using the Southampton route.

It compares to a total of 13,382 for the same period in 2017.

"Whilst it is still early in the year," said Policy and Finance Committee Chair, James Dent, "these promising figures indicate that the decline in passenger movements over recent years has been halted and that passenger numbers are increasing once again which, hopefully, will be sustained. These latest statistics are another indication of the green shoots that are now appearing in the island's economy and highlight how important reliable direct air services are to the island."

Pictured: The Alderney-Southampton route has seen a 10% increase in passengers so far this year.

Chair of the island's Tourism and Economic Development Committee, Christian Harris added: "Release of these latest figures is very welcome news. While analysis of who is travelling is currently being undertaken, the growth cannot be all down to residents travelling more frequently and must also reflect greater numbers of leisure and business visitors coming to the island.

"What is also good news is the start of the Little Ferry Service in just two weeks' time. This will further enhance passenger numbers this year over last year when the ferry service only commenced operation in mid-July."