PASSENGERS on a Jersey-bound aircraft endured an emergency landing in Guernsey this morning as the plane suffered a technical issue soon after taking off – but have now reached their destination.
Blue Islands flight SI4408 departed from Guernsey at 8.36am, with the technical issue picked up soon after take-off and causing the pilot to turn the plane round and return immediately, landing back at Guernsey Airport at 8.42am.
Emergency service vehicles were waiting for the plane’s return, with the runway closed for just over an hour, causing delays to incoming flights from Southampton and Gatwick.
Passengers were taken back to the terminal on a bus, while the ATR 72-500 plane was towed off the runway.
A Blue Islands spokesperson said the Jersey-bound passengers had been booked onto an additional service due to depart at 11.30am. This flight took off slightly late, but landed safely in Jersey at 12.06pm.
The spokesperson added: “Flight SI4408 from Guernsey to Jersey this morning returned to Guernsey reporting a technical issue – the aircraft landed safely and was met by the emergency services as is standard procedure.
“We apologise for the inconvenience to our passengers who have been rebooked on to an additional service to Jersey.
“Safety of our passengers, crew and aircraft is our number one priority at all times.”
Delays are reported on other Blue Islands’ services over the remainder of the day, including flight to and from Exeter, East Midlands, Bristol and Southampton, according to the airline’s live flight status information site. The JEP has asked the airline whether these delays are connected to the earlier technical problem.
