Airport and harbour prepare for peak travel period

More than 30,000 passengers are expected to pass through Guernsey's harbour and airport over Christmas and New Year.

Guernsey Ports said passenger numbers had already increased this week as hundreds of students returned to the island for the festive period.

Nearly 6,000 passengers are expected to pass through the airport over the weekend and more than 21,000 by 2 January.

Passengers travelling through Guernsey Airport who plan to carry Christmas presents in their hand luggage were also advised not to wrap them before their flight "for safety reasons".

Airport director Richard Thomasson said every journey was "vital" and that Guernsey Ports would do "all we can with our airline partners to get you to your destination".

He said: "This time of the year is always one of our peak travel periods, as a lot of islanders return home for Christmas with their families or head off-island to spend time with relatives or catch some winter sun.

"Security might need to unwrap any gifts you're carrying in your hand luggage, so it's best to leave them unwrapped or stow them safely away in your hold luggage," Ports said.

Acting harbour master James Way said Guernsey Harbour would be busy but would continue to supply the island.

He said: "A full freight schedule will maintain the supply of essential goods into the island during the festive season, with nearly all the island's food, fuel, building materials and countless other goods arriving by sea."

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