A screen grab of Flight Radar 24 shows the States-owned aircraft approaching the States-owned airport before having to climb and divert back to Exeter.

The incident happened at 11.35 on Sunday night (18 August).

Ongoing issues at Aurigny over aircraft availability, and crew either out of hours or in the wrong place, meant the outbound Guernsey to Exeter flight left the island late. Colin Le Ray is the MD of Guernsey Ports:

“The flight, which was scheduled to depart at 7.05pm, did not leave Guernsey until 10.08pm. That was due to delays experienced to other services earlier in the day. Aurigny were made aware earlier in the afternoon that the airport’s strict cut off time for landing back in Guernsey was 11.35pm."

"Unfortunately, although they attempted the return journey, the aircraft did not get airborne again until 11.09pm. They were subsequently unable to land by the cut-off time and therefore had to turn back to Exeter."

Mr Le Ray has apologised to all those affected:

"In more than 20 years at Guernsey Airport, this is the only time I recall there being an event of this nature.

We will work with Aurigny to fully understand what happened, and better understand how this might be avoided in future."

Aviation is highly regulated and Mr Le Ray says this is "not open to negotiation or individual discretion."

He says Air Traffic Controllers have strict limits on how long they can work and how long their rest breaks between shifts are:

"There still needs to be a strict cut off time, so that we can evidence, if required, that these considerations of adequate rest are adequately reflected in our policies. If we go beyond that, it could have a knock on effect on operations the following day."

"We will review the extension policy and how it can best be applied in future, so that we are able to meet our operational and regulatory requirements, so we balance that against preventing any unnecessary disruption to passengers."

Deputy Peter Roffey, who heads up the States Trading Supervisory Board, which is responsible for Guernsey Airport and is the sole shareholder in Aurigny, has apologised unreservedly to passengers.

“Clearly this is a result of operational decisions, but from an STSB perspective it is incredibly disappointing given that we are responsible for both Aurigny and Guernsey Ports. We are seeking to fully understand from them what happened, but it is clearly very regrettable.

Most of all, I would want to apologise unreservedly to anyone who was on the flight. This must have been incredibly frustrating and I can understand any annoyance that they may feel.”

Aurigny's issues over flight reliability continue. Last night's two Gatwick flights, and the one from Manchester, landed after 10pm, an hour after Guernsey Airport is scheduled to close.

It is understood that the airline has to pay Guernsey Airport to stay open beyond 9pm.