Guernsey Hospitality Sector Lacks Confidence in Air Connectivity, Survey Reveals

An industry poll conducted within Guernsey’s hospitality sector has revealed a lack of trust in the island’s air connections. Over 90% of participants in the annual survey by the Guernsey Hospitality Association (GHA) expressed doubt that the existing airlink framework could facilitate substantial expansion. Consequently, the GHA is urging the States of Guernsey to implement modifications, coinciding with the economic development committee’s ongoing assessment of air connectivity. The States of Guernsey has been contacted for a statement regarding these findings. Throughout 2024, Aurigny, the airline owned by the States of Guernsey, has encountered problems with frequent flight delays and operational disturbances. Alan Sillett, president of the GHA, stated: “There are three committees that are involved in the oversight of our airlinks and there needs to be a change because there is a lack of accountability.” He further added: “There is a lack of a real proper strategy. When the strategy from government leads is really ‘protect Aurigny’ – that is no strategy so there needs to be a real change.” Hannah Beacom, who leads the Guernsey Tourism Management Board, mentioned that Nico Bezuidenhout, Aurigny’s CEO, had issued an apology to the sector. She quoted him saying: “He admitted that their communications could have been better and I think we’ve seen improvement in that direction, but we as the trade now have to work to repair the damage done because there’s no point pointing fingers”. Beacom continued, explaining the underlying causes: “We know it’s a lack of parts, they have not been able to get their aircraft serviced, they’ve been let down by aircraft they have chartered in.” She concluded by emphasizing the current readiness: “They now have a full fleet, they are ready for next season so we need to send the message out loud and clear that we are open, we are ready and we have a reliable operator.”