Fog causes half term chaos, but airlines promise it is improving!

Monday 19 February 2018

Fog has disrupted flight plans for hundreds of people as they try to leave the island on half term breaks, while others try to return to the UK following time spent in the island.

With thick fog blighting Guernsey Airport nearly all day yesterday, and with this morning's flights disrupted too, Aurigny says hundreds of its passengers have been affected, at a time when large numbers of people were due to travel.

Sarah Van Katwyk was due to be at Centreparcs for this week with her husband, son and stepson who were given the trip as a Christmas present. Mrs Van Katwyk said: "We were supposed to leave yesterday afternoon (Sunday 18 February) and should already be at Centreparcs. Even if we leave today we will have lost a quarter of our time on holiday. The kids are mortified."

Pictured: Left to right; Oliver Craig and Charlie VanKatwyk, bored at the airport

As Jersey and UK schools had their half term breaks last week passengers travelling the other way have also been affected. Express spoke to a number of people at Guernsey Airport yesterday who were due to return home following a break in the island.

Many passengers had been stuck at the airport all day with young children who noted the lack of facilities for families in such eventualities. 

Pictured: Fog at Guernsey Airport on Sunday 18 February

Aurigny was more hopeful some flights would be able to land and take off later on Monday 19 February: "we are seeing an improvement in the weather and improved visibility so flights are about to get back underway. Keep your fingers crossed for the rest of the day."

The States of Guernsey owned airline had offered passengers booked on flights today (Monday 19 February) free flight changes over the next three days, between the 20 and 22 February.

In a statement released today, Aurigny said:

"Unfortunately, continued adverse weather conditions has caused some disruption to services this morning, but staff are working hard to keep disruption to a minimum.

"We do hope for an improvement in the weather for the rest of the day but we wanted to offer customers the choice to change.

"We apologies to all passengers affected by the weather disruption and would like to thank them for their patience and understanding.

"Anyone who wishes to move their flights should call our Reservations Team on 01481 267267 or Customer Services on 01481 266465. Please bear with us as our phone lines are extremely busy. Alternatively, you can change your booking online (to flights during 20-22 February) and we will refund you any fees."

Pictured: Aurigny's Jet on a sunnier day