Airport flights disrupted

21 February 2012

Jersey Airport's radar failed on Monday afternoon, leading to the disruption of up to 40 flights.

Air traffic services were unable to move aircraft in and around the Channel Islands Control Zone (CICZ), meaning that although radar services at Guernsey Airport were not lost, flights there were also affected. 

At 6.15pm, service was restored at Jersey Airport’s air traffic control centre. There were a number of delays to flights in and out of the islands, however both Jersey and Guernsey airports remained open until late Monday evening and cleared the backlog. 

Up to 40 commercial and general aviation flights in and out of Channel Islands air space were affected by the incident but despite delays no commercial flights were cancelled.

Jersey Airport’s Chief Operating Officer for Aviation, Stephen Driscoll, said "In line with safety procedures, a full internal investigation is now taking place. The safety of aircraft and passengers was not compromised at any time."