Alderney airport repair costs spiral

As the estimate jumps to more than £50M, it is recommended that a commission is set up to look afresh at Guernsey's financial obligations towards Alderney.

Alderney's runway was last partially resurfaced and widened in 1989 and it often needs repairing. Costs to patch the surface between 2023 and 24 came in at £400,000 which is paid for by Guernsey.

In addition, a new departures hut has to be put in this year because the current one is deemed to be dangerous and the control tower needs to be repaired.

Guernsey's budget to carry out resurfacing and other repairs is £24M. But the latest, admittedly most expensive quote, is more than double that, at £55M.

The estimate reflects the complexities and costs of carrying out a materials and labour intensive project on a relatively remote island.

Deputy Lyndon Trott says these costs must be contained and it is time to re-examine Guernsey's financial obligations towards Alderney:

“Strong and resilient transport links are critical to the success of island communities.

"However, we cannot ignore the challenging fiscal situation that the States of Guernsey finds itself in.

"The time has come for a radical reconsideration of this project. It is necessary to find a functional solution, that can achieve a reasonable level of connectivity for the Alderney community within the current financial limits of the States of Guernsey.

"Over the last decade of debate on the rehabilitation of Alderney Airport’s runway, the topic of the 1948 Agreement has been raised time and time again, including whether it remains fit for purpose in the 21st century, not just in relation to the airport but about other transferred services too."

The 1948 Agreement was set up as a way of supporting Alderney after WW2, when the island and its economy was on its knees.

The new policy letter on Alderney looks at various scenarios, including the temporary closure of the airport and its effect on the economy.

Alderney wants the runway work to be carried out and is supportive of helping financially. Bill Abel is the chairman of Alderney's Policy and Finance committeee:

“The rehabilitation of the airport is of paramount importance to Alderney and its community, and the Bailiwick Commission is a long-awaited formal proposal which seeks to benefit the Bailiwick as a whole.

"We look forward to engaging with the States of Guernsey on taking both of these matters forward.”