Guernsey Airport reopens after plane leased by Aurigny experiences 'landing incident'
ITV Channel reporter Kate Prout reflects on the incident and calls for Guernsey's runway to be extended. Broadcast on Wednesday 24 April
Guernsey Airport has reopened after closing for two hours due to an incident on its runway.
A passenger plane leased by the airline Aurigny was carrying 63 customers and four crew from London Gatwick when it experienced a 'landing incident' on arrival.
The States-owned operator says the aircraft, a De Havilland Canada Dash Eight, came to a standstill within the safety area at the west end of the runway at around 6:45pm on Tuesday 23 April.
The airport's fire service responded and everyone onboard the GR609 flight was able to safely disembark.
Emergency services from across the island were also called but stood down whilst still en route.
A spokesperson for Aurigny apologised for the disruption, adding: "No passengers or crew members were injured and the aircraft sustained no significant damage."
There was also no damage to the runway or airfield lights.
Passengers were bussed to the terminal at 7:40pm and the airport reopened at 8:55pm after the plane was towed to a safe area.
Travellers faced some disruption as the 6:20pm inbound flight from Southampton and its 8:35pm return service was cancelled.
Other evening flights from London City, London Gatwick and Birmingham were delayed.
An independent assessment of what happened is underway with a team travelling over from the UK Air Accidents Investigation Branch.
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