Alderney flights cancelled due to crew sickness

An airline has warned it is unable to operate several of its upcoming flights due to "an unprecedented level of crew sickness".

Guernsey States-owned airline Aurigny said on Thursday that it had been advised of the issue by Skybus, the airline it contracts to operate services to and from Alderney.

Skybus CEO Stuart Reid apologised "unreservedly" for the impact on services between Guernsey and Alderney and Alderney and Southampton until 16 October.

Aurigny said rumours that all of its services to and from Alderney were being cancelled in the next few days were incorrect and said the "majority of the airline's planned schedule is expected to operate".

The airline also said it was "working to minimise the impact on passengers wherever possible".

"Unfortunately, the late notice provided by Skybus has impacted our ability to respond as promptly as customers rightly expect," a statement from Aurigny said.

It said passengers were being contacted directly by the airline or their travel agent and alternative transport would be arranged where possible.

Reid added: "We recognise that the level of service provided by Skybus at present neither meets Aurigny's expectations nor the needs of the community.

"We remain committed to working closely with our colleagues at Aurigny to improve the reliability of the service we provide."

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