Airlines may be told how to park

The new terminal has just celebrated its first birthday

Aircraft could be forced to park nose-first at Guernsey Airport if the number of flights continues to rise.

The airport's terminal, which opened a year ago, was designed specifically to accommodate this type of parking.

However, airlines are reluctant to make the change because of the increased costs involved.

But Public Services Minister Bill Bell has warned airlines that they may have to adopt the new system if they are told to.

He said: "If we've got too many aircraft and not enough space, then we've got to increase the amount of space used by the push-in, pull-back parking system."

Mr Bell admitted it could cost up to £200,000 per airline for the equipment and staff needed to make the system work. He said it was "understandable" they were reluctant.