Aurigny and Condor have scheduled additional services to coincide with Guernsey’s new testing trial for arriving passengers.
The pilot scheme, which could potentially halve the mandatory 14-day self-isolation for people travelling to Guernsey, has been welcomed by both operators, who are using the trial as an opportunity to test demand for services.
‘Even though the ban on only essential travel has been lifted, the 14-day self-isolation period is a real barrier to travel. We are really encouraged by this move to trial a different approach and potentially reduce the self-isolation period in the longer term,’ said Aurigny chief executive Mark Darby.
‘It will be a good opportunity to see what underlying demand there is for travel both to and off the island and is a positive step towards phase 6. We are keen to get back to a regular service as and when the time is right, and the evidence supports such a move.’
The seven-day test trial will run from 5 to 10 July. Aurigny will run an extra return Guernsey to Southampton service on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday of that week. Condor will operate passenger sailings between Poole and Guernsey on Sunday 5 and Wednesday 8 July.
‘We are aware that there are a number of people who really need to get to the UK, regardless of the requirement to quarantine on return, now that non-essential travel is allowed.
‘It is for this reason that we have been in dialogue with Public Health and the States to put on these very specific sailings and allow those passengers to travel,’ said Elwyn Dop, Condor’s Executive Director – Operations.
‘These limited sailing dates will initially allow us to test our safety procedures and assess the impact on all aspects of our vessel operation. And crucially, they will allow the States to pilot 7-day testing for returning passengers on specified sailings.’
During the pandemic, Aurigny has been operating a reduced schedule of lifeline services between the UK and Guernsey, while Condor ceased passenger sailings altogether, operating a freight-only service.
(Feature image via Southamptonairport.com)
