An Aurigny flight travelling from Guernsey to Manchester was forced to make an emergency landing after the aircraft’s windscreen developed a crack during the journey.

Flight GR678 diverted to Southampton on Sunday after the issue was identified onboard.

The airline said the crew followed standard safety procedures and carried out what it described as a precautionary emergency landing.

Emergency Diversion To Southampton

Aurigny confirmed the aircraft landed safely at Southampton Airport after diverting from its planned route to Manchester.

In a statement, the airline said: “In line with standard operating procedures, the flight crew carried out a precautionary emergency landing. Passengers and crew are safe and well.”

No injuries were reported among passengers or crew members.

Passengers Continued Journey By Coach

Following the diversion, Aurigny arranged alternative transport so passengers could continue their journeys.

The airline confirmed coach travel was organized to transport affected passengers onward to Manchester.

The aircraft involved has since been removed from service for inspection while engineers investigate the cause of the windscreen damage.

Cracked Windscreens Are Rare But Highly Regulated

Although cockpit windscreen cracks are uncommon, aviation procedures require crews to respond immediately because the windshield forms a critical structural component of the aircraft.

Modern commercial aircraft windscreens are built with multiple reinforced layers designed to withstand pressure changes, bird strikes and extreme temperature differences.

Airlines typically divert as a precaution even when cracks affect only outer layers of the windshield structure.