Delayed flight kickstarts IoM link

Thursday 23 July 2020

The first flights between Guernsey and the Isle of Man took place yesterday following a delay caused by a tech issue with the Embraer Jet.

The first flight to the Isle of Man was due to take-off at midday, however it was delayed until 15:45.

At around 14:45, passengers were advised to go to Door E, Gate 4. The first flight to Isle of Man landed just after 16:00. 

The delay was reportedly due to a tech issue. 

The jet was due to return to Guernsey at 15:50, with tourists on the first isolation-free flight to be greeted by water cannons. Those plans were delayed, however the incoming flight did eventually get its water cannon salute. 

Very happy to have been on the first Guernsey-Isle of Man flight this afternoon. It's nice to have a summer holiday, and a national airline in #Aurigny flexible enough to make an air bridge possible. Guernsey is knocking it out of the park in this crisis #Guernseytogether

— Christopher Dye (@christopher_dye) July 22, 2020

Pictured: One of the passengers aboard the first flight to the Isle of Man. 

On the first flights, 98 people are due to travel to the Isle of Man and the Aurigny Embraer Jet is full on its return into Guernsey with 122 Manx travellers.

Altogether, Aurigny expect to have sold almost 5,000 seats between the two islands between 22 July and 13 September. The airline says there is a 50/50 on the origin of passenger. 

Mark Darby, Chief Executive of Aurigny, is due to be on the inaugural flight.

In a press statement yesterday, he said: “I am delighted to be visiting the Isle of Man and will be meeting with government officials and some of the media during my time. However, I am also looking forward to a brief holiday and sampling some of the unique delights that the island has to offer.”