Alderney Airport
The oldest civil airport in the Channel Islands, serving as the sole air gateway to Alderney.
Overview of the Airport
Alderney Airport (ACI) is located 1.9 km southwest of St Anne, Alderney, and is the only airport on the island. It provides vital regional connections to Guernsey and Southampton and supports private aviation and seasonal charters.
49.7061, -2.2147
Growth Trend
Passenger traffic has gradually recovered, increasing by 5.4% from 2023 to 2024.
Employment
42
Staff include airline crew, ground services, airport operations, and concessions.
Global Ranking
Market Share of Major Airlines
Capacity Expansion
Planned runway resurfacing and terminal upgrades will enhance operational capacity and passenger comfort.
Technological Advancements
Recent upgrades include improved navigation aids and digital passenger information systems.
Sustainability Initiatives
Initiatives include energy-efficient lighting and support for sustainable aviation fuels for regional flights.
General Stats
This page provides airport statistics including passenger numbers and cargo tonnage
View General Stats→Port Facts
The Port of Alderney, located in Braye Harbour, handles general cargo, bulk cargo, and oil with approximately 250 vessels and 15,000t of cargo annually.
View Port Facts→General Studies
This page provides information about ACI's efforts to address climate change and reduce the environmental impacts of aviation, alongside updates on the Alderney Airport project and annual reports.
View General Studies→Latest News & Updates
Recent developments and updates for Alderney Airport.
Alderney Airport Reopens After Temporary Closure Due To Storms
Alderney Airport (ACI) reopened on November 2, 2023, following a temporary closure due to severe storms and strong winds. Operations resumed after safety assessments were completed, allowing for scheduled flights to and from the island.
Alderney Airport Faces Temporary Closure Due To High Winds
Alderney Airport (ACI) temporarily closed its runway on October 27, 2023, due to high winds exceeding safe operating limits. Officials took the precautionary measure to ensure passenger and aircraft safety while awaiting calmer weather conditions.
Alderney Airport: Operations Resume After Maintenance Checks
Alderney Airport (ACI) was temporarily closed for essential maintenance checks on October 26, 2023, following previous disruptive weather events. Flights resumed after the checks were successfully completed, allowing normal operations to continue.
Operations Logistics & Timelines
Step-by-step process transit times for passengers and cargo.
For Clients
Passenger process times from arrival to gate.
- Arrival & Baggage Claim15-45 mins
- Customs & Immigration10-30 mins
- Ground Transportation to Gate5-15 mins
For Employees
Cargo handling deadlines and operational procedures.
- General Cargo Cut-off90 minutes pre-departure
- Passenger Boarding Cut-off30 minutes pre-departure
- Manifest Close60 minutes pre-departure
- Gate Closure15 minutes pre-departure
- Aircraft Turn Time60 minutes
- Cargo Loading Window45 minutes
- Live Weight and Balance Deadline30 minutes pre-departure
- Security Checkpoint Deadline45 minutes pre-departure
- Flight DepartureVariable - dependent on airline schedules
Passengers' Tips & Tricks
- 1
Check Runway Information Before Arrival
Alderney Airport has a relatively short runway. Confirm the runway in use and any potential wind restrictions with the pilot or air traffic control before your flight. This will minimize delays.
- 2
Gate Changes Can Happen
Gate assignments can change at Alderney Airport due to aircraft positioning. Stay attentive to announcements and gate updates posted near the terminal. Be prepared to quickly follow instructions from airport staff.
- 3
Limited Facilities, Plan Accordingly
Alderney Airport has very limited facilities. There are no shops or restaurants on-site. Bring your own snacks, drinks, and entertainment. Restrooms are available, but may be basic.
- 4
Short Taxiing Distances
Aircraft typically have short taxiing distances due to the runway length. This can make for quicker turnaround times, but be mindful of pedestrian areas around the airport.
- 5
Pre-Flight Briefing is Crucial
Participate actively in your pre-flight briefing with the pilot. Understand the flight plan, emergency procedures, and any specific considerations for flying into or out of Alderney Airport's challenging conditions.
Cargo Tips & Tricks
- 1
Understand Limited Runway Length
Alderney Airport has a significantly short runway (1,200m). This severely restricts the size and weight of aircraft that can operate. Confirm your aircraft's operational limitations and ensure it meets the airport's specifications before booking. Overweight or oversized aircraft will be denied landing.
- 2
Pre-Arrival Coordination is Crucial
Due to the airport's size and limited services, meticulous pre-arrival coordination is absolutely vital. Contact the airport directly (ACI - +44 131 648 8370) at least 48 hours prior to your arrival to confirm weather conditions, runway availability, and any special requirements. Provide accurate flight details and expected arrival time.
- 3
Limited Ground Services
Alderney Airport has extremely limited ground services. Fuel may be available but it is not always guaranteed and must be pre-arranged. Passenger handling, baggage services, and catering are extremely limited. Plan accordingly and ensure you have all necessary supplies and arrangements taken care of before arrival.
- 4
Weather Sensitivity
Alderney is highly susceptible to weather conditions, particularly strong winds and low visibility. Check the weather forecast meticulously before departure and be prepared for potential delays or cancellations due to adverse conditions. Winds approaching the runway are a significant factor.
- 5
Aircraft Parking Restrictions
Aircraft parking is extremely limited. Confirm parking arrangements with the airport in advance. The airport has very restricted maneuvering areas. Be prepared for potentially tight spaces and follow the instructions of airport personnel strictly.
Tools & Resources
Essential tools, portals, and resources for clients and partners.
Data & Reports
Official statistics, research reports, and data tracking for Alderney Airport.
ICAO Data+ M7: Alderney Airport (ACI)
Detailed airport statistics and traffic data for Alderney Airport, including aircraft movements, passengers, and cargo traffic. Part of the ICAO-ACI Airport Data collection.
Airport Statistics Alderney | The Blaye | ACI
Interactive airport statistics for Alderney Airport (ACI) including Airport Movements Chart and Delay Index Chart. Data is from The Blaye's constantly updated flight database.
ACI Intelligence Hub - Alderney Airport
Overview of the ACI Intelligence Hub platform, which provides high-accuracy commercial airport traffic data and monitoring capabilities for Alderney Airport.
Data Center - ACI World
ACI World's data center resources, offering a variety of airport and air travel industry data, including information for Alderney Airport.
Airport Statistics and Traffic Data | ACI World
ACI World's resources for airport statistics and traffic data, including an economic publications bundle with data for Alderney Airport.
Location & Maps
Find Alderney Airport on popular mapping services.
Interactive Map
Map Legend
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Recommendations
Policy Alignment
Collaborate with Guernsey authorities to secure funding and ensure compliance with Channel Islands aviation standards.
Infrastructure Investment
Prioritize runway resurfacing and terminal modernization to support future growth and resilience.
Sustainability Focus
Expand green initiatives and energy efficiency to meet Channel Islands environmental targets.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common inquiries about operations and logistics at Alderney Airport.
What is the passenger process like at Alderney Airport (ACI)?
Passengers arriving at Alderney Airport typically disembark and proceed through a single security gate. There are no passport controls for flights within the European Union. However, flights arriving from outside the EU require passport control, which is handled by Guernsey Customs and Immigration. Allow ample time for security checks, especially during peak season. The terminal is relatively small, so queues can build up.
How does cargo handling operate at Alderney Airport?
Alderney Airport primarily handles small charter flights and air ambulance operations. Cargo handling is largely dependent on the specific operator and purpose of the flight. Generally, it’s a manual operation; wheeled carts are used to move cargo, and there isn’t a dedicated cargo terminal. Operators coordinate directly with the flight crew for loading and unloading.
What transport options are available to and from Alderney Airport?
Several transport options connect Alderney Airport with Guernsey. These include: taxis (available outside the terminal), bus services (operated by Goernsey Connect), and private hire vehicles. Guernsey Airport (GCI) is approximately 14 miles (22.5 km) away and can be reached by taxi or bus. Car hire is also available at Guernsey Airport.
Alderney Airport is famously small - what's the historical reason for its limited size and operations?
Alderney Airport's limited size stems from its strategic importance during World War II. It was initially a German airbase, later used by the British for military operations. After the war, it was primarily repurposed as a civilian airport, but the existing infrastructure—particularly the runway—was never significantly upgraded to accommodate larger aircraft due to its location, terrain, and the limited demand for air services in the region.
For More Info
Third-party resources, government portals, ratings, and more.
