Guernsey Post is making changes to how standard mail is transported to the UK. These changes will take effect in July 2026, with the final outbound flight on Friday 3 July. Until then, all services continue exactly as normal, and customers do not need to do anything differently.
From 6 July, standard mail will no longer travel on the dedicated mail plane. Instead, it will be sent via our reliable and well-established sea-freight network. This change is being made because rising supply chain and operating costs mean it is no longer viable to run a dedicated aircraft five days a week.
We know how important next-day delivery is for some customers, and we are working with our commercial partners to secure a daily air service for scheduled flights.
These changes will also support new competitively priced parcel options launching in July, made possible by efficiencies created through the move to sea.
To help customers understand what this means in practise, we have provided detailed FAQs below.
Why is the mail plane stopping?
Rising supply-chain costs mean operating a dedicated aircraft five days a week is no longer cost-effective. Moving standard mail to our established sea freight network (from July) provides a more reliable and financially sustainable option. The final outbound flight is scheduled for Friday 3 July.
Will next day delivery still be available?
We understand how important next-day delivery is for some of our customers, and we are working to secure a daily service using our commercial partners for scheduled flights.
How long will standard mail take?
Customers should allow an additional 24 hours for their items to connect with UK deliveries.
Are parcel services affected?
No. Parcel services remain unchanged, and there is positive news for customers:
· Parcel rates are frozen for 2026.
· New competitively priced tracked parcel options will be introduced in July, supported by the cost efficiencies generated through the move to sea.
Will this reduce the quality of service?
No. The sea freight network is well established and reliable, offering predictable dispatch windows and consistent entry into UK delivery routes.
Why did Guernsey Post previously say the plane would continue?
In 2024, the assessment supported retaining the aircraft. Since then, costs and operating conditions have changed. The updated review shows that moving mail to sea — while protecting next day delivery by air — is now the most reliable and financially sustainable approach for the Bailiwick.
Does this affect Alderney or Sark mail?
Local and inter-island services remain unchanged. Mail from Alderney and Sark will continue to travel to Guernsey as normal, and once it enters the Guernsey despatch process it will follow the same revised sea-based timings to connect with deliveries in the UK. Incoming mail to Alderney and Sark is unaffected; it will continue to arrive via the existing arrangements.
Will this affect incoming mail from the UK?
No. Incoming mail arrangements remain exactly the same. All mail coming into the island already travels via the robust, well established sea freight network, and no incoming mail currently arrives by plane. Customers will not see any difference to incoming delivery times or processes.
Will there be any changes for business customers?
No immediate changes. Many business customers value predictable dispatch schedules, and the sea network supports this. We have strong working relationships with key business customers and will work closely with them to ensure a smooth, well-planned transition.