Flybe managing director Ian Taylor said the airline "very much regretted" having to take the action, but blamed Guernsey airport authorities.

The move came as an independent industrial tribunal by arbitrators Acas began on Friday.

More than 400 passengers were affected by cancelled flights at the weekend.

Request 'refused'

Mr Taylor said: "Guernsey airport was unable to provide fire cover.

"We are able to operate where there is reduced fire cover and we formally made this request to Guernsey Airport which would have provided a resolution to the situation, but that was refused.

"That has led us to take this course of action."

The public tribunal at the Mallard Hotel began at 0930 BST, and will be chaired by Acas arbitrator John Mulholland from the UK.

Guernsey Airport was unavailable for comment.