On Thursday 22 October 2026, Storm Austen forced Guernsey Airport to shut early as winds rose above safe operating limits. Bailiwick Express and the Guernsey Press report that the last scheduled outbound was Aurigny’s 14:40 to London Gatwick; all remaining inbound flights that day were cancelled. Alderney flights were also cancelled, with that airport closed on the same timeline.
What travellers saw
Guernsey Ports said the terminal was expected to reopen from noon on Friday 23 October, with flights targeted from about 14:00 after morning safety inspections. A Met Office red wind warning covered the Bailiwick; further disruption into Friday and Saturday was possible while airlines recovered the schedule. Aurigny offered WeatherFlex changes on covered Guernsey and Alderney services. Passengers should follow airline messages and Guernsey Ports updates before travelling to the terminal.
If the schedule is critical
When the only Channel Islands runway is closed for a named storm, surface options and same-day recovery are limited. If you must move before commercial slots resume, a private jet or empty leg into an alternate UK or Normandy field may be workable once weather and ATC reopen. Rahizi qualifies the brief and returns partner options.
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Facts from Bailiwick Express, Guernsey Press and Guernsey Ports coverage of Storm Austen, 22–23 October 2026. Always verify with your carrier.