Airport lounge revamp includes bar and cafe swap

A new bar area will replace the existing Costa Coffee space

The Isle of Man Airport's departure lounge is set to receive a facelift, with a series of upgrades planned throughout the year.

Changes include 131 upgraded seats, high top work bars, and designated areas for those with reduced mobility, the airport said.

The first stage of work includes replacing the current bar area with an expanded Costa Coffee, with the existing smaller cafe becoming a new bar.

Airport interim director Geoff Pugh said: "This upgrade is the first step in a series of enhancements aimed at improving the overall airport experience."

"We are committed to providing a modern, comfortable, and welcoming environment for our passengers," he added.

A larger Costa Coffee will swap places with the current bar area

Passengers are being asked to go into departures no earlier than two hours before their flights while work is taking place.

The first stage, due to start on 10 March, is due to be completed by mid-April.

Renovations to the rear seating area are due to take place later in the year

Further stages due to start later in the year include fitting new carpets and redecorating the rear section of the waiting zone, by gates four and five.

There will be 185 new seats in this space, with 92 seats fitted in the downstairs waiting area before passengers board.

An airport spokesman said the new design would "feature wider aisles, clearly marked pathways, and dedicated seating areas for passengers with disabilities".

This was "a direct response to passenger feedback", he added.