Keeping 800 metres of the 1,463-metre runway operational would allow Trislanders to operate. (0279812)

The Public Services Department is consulting on closing the airport for up to eight days, in four two-day periods, in May and July next year and the following February.

Most of the runway upgrade work will be carried out overnight.

A spokesman for the Chamber of Commerce transport subcommittee said the body was not convinced that complete closure of the airport for four periods of two days was strictly necessary.

‘On those days every attempt should be made to keep a reduced runway length available, so that at least 800 metres is provided for the operation of a basic shuttle service using smaller aircraft,’ he said.

‘Many remotely located airports around the world are able to offer continuous access, using aircraft such as the Trislander and Twin Otter operating from runways of 800 metres or less. It is therefore preferable that every effort be made to keep Guernsey Airport operational, especially during the peak summer months when two of the four periods of daytime closure are being proposed.’

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