Dispute causes cancelled flights

A pay dispute means no fire sickness cover or staff available for overtime

Flights at Guernsey Airport have been disrupted because of a shortage of fire cover at the island's airfield.

Flybe was forced to cancel Birmingham, Southampton, Gatwick and Exeter flights due to no airport fire crew sickness cover or staff available for overtime.

The lack of cover resulted in flights being cancelled in the afternoon.

The ongoing dispute between the States and airport firefighters centres around pay and is also expected to affect flights on Tuesday afternoon.

The fire crew staff shortage means the category of fire cover has been downgraded, resulting in Flybe's Dash 8 aircrafts being unable to operate within the rules and, as such, not being permitted to fly in or out of the airport.

Guernsey Airport is advising passengers to check their travel insurance to confirm they have adequate cover against disruption costs.

Flybe's head of public affairs, Niall Duffy, earlier said that the Exeter-based airline is to seek a six-figure compensation package from the States for what he described as "ongoing disarray".

Anyone who has concerns about flights can call an airport helpline on 01481 234957.