The Alderney Chamber has sent the attached statement to all Guernsey Deputies ahead of their debate later this week on our runway. We have stressed the critical need for its refurbishment and the absolute importance it has for our economy and the future of our island.
Should you wish to comment on our statement, please reply to info@alderneychamber.com
To download a copy of the statement below , please click on this link:
Alderney Runway Letter to Guernsey Deputies – 24 Feb 2026
ALDERNEY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
ALDERNEY RUNWAY – BAILIWICK-CRITICAL INFRASTRUCTURE
ALDERNEY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE STATEMENT
Date: 24 February 2026
For: Members of the States of Guernsey
Purpose:
To seek urgent, strategic action on the condition and future resilience of Alderney’s runway
Executive Summary
Alderney’s runway is deteriorating at both surface and structural levels. Repeated short-term patching is costly, does not address underlying failure, and represents poor value for money.
Without decisive intervention, the reliability of Alderney’s primary transport link is at increasing risk, with serious consequences for medical access, economic stability, population retention, and Bailiwick cohesion.
This briefing asks Members to recognise the runway as Bailiwick-critical infrastructure and to support a long-term solution rather than continued temporary remediation.
Why the Runway Matters
For Alderney, air transport is not an optional infrastructure. It underpins business continuity, medical access, tourism, education, family life, and population stability. Unlike Guernsey and Jersey, Alderney does not have resilient year-round transport alternatives. When the runway is unreliable, the island is effectively isolated.
Current Position
The runway surface is repeatedly patched by specialist contractors at significant cumulative cost, running into hundreds of thousands of pounds at each visit. These works are temporary and cosmetic; the underlying foundations remain compromised. The long-term risk profile continues to worsen, increasing the likelihood of disruption, cancellations and emergency access constraints. Guernsey has been aware of the runway’s condition for several years, yet the position has not materially improved.
Operational Resilience
The existing runway width of approximately 17 metres limits resilience in crosswind conditions. As weather patterns evolve, disruption is becoming more frequent. Widening the runway to approximately 23 metres would improve crosswind capability, enhance safety margins, reduce weather-related cancellations, and improve reliability for operators and passengers. This is a practical resilience measure, not an optional enhancement.
Economic Context
Since the Covid period, Alderney has experienced increased interest from remote workers, gradual population growth, and rising school enrolment. This positive trajectory depends fundamentally on reliable transport. Continued uncertainty over air access threatens to undermine these gains. A stronger Alderney economy contributes directly to the wider Bailiwick’s fiscal and economic position.
The Cost of Inaction
Continuing with short-term patching carries escalating risks, including higher long-term costs, reduced reliability and resilience, and increased emergency and reputational risk. Infrastructure of this importance should not be managed indefinitely in a state of decline.
What Is Requested
Members are asked to support recognition of Alderney’s runway as Bailiwick-critical infrastructure, commitment to a long-term regeneration solution, and timetabled decision-making supported by appropriate technical and financial planning. Delay increases both cost and risk. Ends