The States of Guernsey’s Policy & Resources Committee is seeking to expedite the delivery of the rehabilitation of Alderney's main runway, so that construction can commence as early as possible in 2027.

The States are being asked to delegate authority to the Committee to approve the final business case and budget of up to a maximum of £24m to fulfil the States' resolution from April 2025.

Design work is underway with a view to appointing a contractor this year. Subject to the outcome of the States' debate, which is expected to be in February, a tendering process will begin. It will seek early contractor involvement in the final design and development of detailed costings and identify potential reductions, which is expected to save time and money.

The proposed scheme will reconstruct the asphalt runway, keeping the current length of 877m but widening it from 18m to 23m. This will meet minimum aerodrome design standards, as required by the local aviation regulator, at the lowest cost. This will provide a simple, utilitarian runway that meets the needs of Code B aircraft, such as the Twin Otter aircraft currently in use.

To complete the works in the shortest time and in the most cost-effective way, Alderney Airport may need to close for an extended period. Should this be necessary, notice will be given and arrangements will be made to provide alternative travel options, including provision for emergency medical evacuations.

As well as reconstructing and widening the main runway, the proposed scheme will include resurfacing and realignment of the main asphalt taxiway and apron. It will also install modern drainage and update the airfield lighting systems to reduce operational disruption in bad weather. The current undulating profile of the runway does not comply with minimum regulatory requirements, so this also needs to be addressed. These extensive ground works are likely to affect the future use of the two existing grass runways, which are used by private aircraft.

The longer grass runway (13/31) may permanently close, but the shorter one will be retained to provide alternative taxiway access to the main runway. Both these runways are unlicensed and not able to be used by commercial aircraft. This closure will mean that less material needs to be imported to the island for the reprofiling work, therefore reducing the overall cost.

Deputy Lindsay de Sausmarez, president of the Policy & Resources Committee, said: “This project is vital to maintaining Alderney's connectivity for the benefit of the island's community and meeting the States of Guernsey's obligations under the 1948 Agreement. The approach we're recommending aims to deliver a compliant, practical and proportionate solution within the current fiscal constraints. Delegated authority to approve the business case and early contractor engagement will be key to the most timely and cost-effective delivery.

"We're working to a tight timeline, with construction scheduled to start in April 2027 and complete by that December. This is lifeline infrastructure for the community in Alderney, and we're committed to bringing it in as efficiently as we can, as well as at the lowest possible cost. That may mean some disruption for residents in Alderney during the construction process, but any delay risks pushing the project into 2028. That would increase the likelihood of prolonged runway closure which would bring with it more disruption overall, as well as additional expenditure, which is why we are aiming to rehabilitate the runway as soon as practically possible.”

The asphalt runway will be reconstructed, keeping the current length of 877m but widening it from 18m to 23m