The Institute of Directors (IoD) and Guernsey Chamber of Commerce note the recent weather-related disruption to air travel. While periods of fog at some time or another during the year are a near certainty for Guernsey, the resultant disruption largely relates to the failure of the island to invest in suitable ground-based instrument landing systems (ILS) to handle seasonal weather conditions.
Following the recommendation by PwC for investigating potential runway extensions to 1590m and 1700m, we encourage the Committee for Economic Development to evaluate an upgrade of low visibility capability as part of the cost-benefit analysis for an extension, allowing aircraft to operate during periods of low visibility.
Such investment has the potential to reduce the economic, social and reputational damage to Guernsey from fog, as well as reducing the risk and cost for air operators providing services to the island.