Majority Of Hospitality Bosses Unhappy With Flights

Tuesday, 5 September 2023 14:30

The majority of Guernsey's hospitality bosses say they aren't satisfied with the island's air links, according to a new survey.

Guernsey Hospitality Association asked its members if they were happy with the cost and reliability of flights into and out of the Bailiwick, as well as the choice of destinations on offer.

A huge 95% say they think the cost of a ticket off the island is 'too high' which has a detrimental effect on business, while 60% say they think there should be more choice of destination available.

9/10 of hoteliers believe services aren't reliable.

The association also asked if the sector believed business would be enhanced if the runway was extended, allowing larger jet aircraft to land - 89% said 'yes'.

The GHA says there are 'serious problems' with air links and is now urging the States to consider technology called Engineered Materials Arrestor System - or EMAS -, which uses specialist material that collapses to quickly slow aircraft down.

Yesterday (4 Sept), Deputies Simon Vermeulen and John Dyke confirmed that they will also be asking their fellow politicians to support the use of EMAS.

The long-running issue of expanding the runway is set to be debated in the States Chamber once again in this weeks sitting.