Large-scale pigeon releases to resume with new safety procedures
10th July 2025Following positive talks, Guernsey Ports and the Royal Pigeon Racing Association have agreed a new set of safety procedures, clearing the way for the return of pigeon racing to the island’s skies.
The agreement comes with the support of the Office of the Director of Civil Aviation (Channel Islands).
Large releases of racing pigeons were halted in April following safety concerns about the size and scale of releases, and the increasing number of requests, which had risen from just 3 in 2022, to 17 in 2023, 29 in 2024, and 13 in the first four months of 2025.
This led Guernsey Ports, with the full support of the ODCA, to request more detailed risk assessments and procedures from the race organisers before any further permissions could be granted.
Following further consultation and collaboration, Guernsey Ports and the RPRA have reached an agreement that will allow racing to resume under revised risk assessments and operational procedures.
These new protocols apply to large-scale pigeon releases. The existing protocols for smaller, local releases remain the same.
Guernsey Ports’ Airport Director Richard Thomasson said: “We have worked closely with the RPRA to reach a practical solution that upholds aviation safety while enabling the resumption of larger scale pigeon racing activities.
“The newly agreed safety measures include enhanced planning and the introduction of a new permit scheme coordinated by the RPRA. The safety measures also include greater coordination and oversight of race timings to avoid conflicts with air traffic and real-time communication protocols between race organisers and air traffic control.
“These steps should ensure the safe integration of larger scale pigeon racing activities with the island’s air space.”
Chris Sutton, CEO of the RPRA, said: “This agreement reflects a collaborative effort to ensure that all necessary protocols and safety measures are in place, allowing the continuation of this valued tradition under carefully controlled conditions.”