Airport runway project delayed until 2028

A major project to rebuild Alderney Airport's ageing runway has been delayed by at least a year, with construction now expected to begin in 2028 rather than 2027.

The delay comes despite politicians approving up to £24m for the scheme in February, when the States of Guernsey had hoped work could start in 2027.

Policy and Resources said further design work was needed after receiving regulatory advice and feedback from the States of Alderney.

The committee said: "Consequently, the design work means that the anticipated milestones set out in the January 2026 policy letter have been revised to reflect this delay, ultimately meaning that construction is now anticipated in 2028, rather than 2027."

The original timetable had envisaged the invitation to tender being issued in March 2026, with the process completed by June.

However, the process has not yet been completed because additional design work is required before construction contracts can be put out to tender, the committee said in a written response to questions from Representative Alexander Snowdon.

Officials said the revised plans would retain the runway's existing width of 18m instead of increasing it to the regulatory standard of 23 metres, a move they said should deliver significant savings. They explained that the approach was being pursued "for the collective financial benefit".

The committee said it was still working towards delivering the project within the current £24m delegated authority, although it warned the budget must also cover costs such as alternative transport and medical evacuation arrangements during construction.

No final completion date has been set. The committee said: "No definitive timeline for the completion of the project can be provided until the contract has been awarded and early contractor engagement has commenced."

Officials said they remained committed to carrying out the work "as soon as is practically possible and at the lowest possible costs, without compromising safety in the meantime".

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