Strategic air review due by end of year - minister

Tim Johnston told members he would bring forward proposals by the end of the year

A strategic review of the Isle of Man's air services and infrastructure will be brought forward by the end of the year, the enterprise minister has said.

It comes as the airport faces ongoing shortages in air traffic control staff, with two daily closures for mandatory breaks set to continue until the end of 2025.

Tim Johnston told Tynwald members his department had been working on a strategic air review and recognised the importance of confidence in connectivity by businesses and the public.

He provided the update in a general debate brought forward by Julie Edge who told members she had been "concerned" by the travel disruption over the past 18 months.

Edge said "many" people had told her they were thinking of leaving the island due to connectivity issues, as they faced increased expenditure because of a need to leave a buffer for travelling further afield because of island disruption.

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During the debate, David Ashford MHK said he was not sure the connectivity met the needs of businesses and the public.

He said timings meant work day trips between the island and the UK were no longer possible for some firms.

Claire Christian MHK questioned whether the airport's 20:45 BST closing time was suitable for the government's long-term aspirations.

Referencing figures provided in a recent airport update, which showed from January to July 818 departing flights were disrupted, making up 30% of the outbound flights.

However, Treasury Minister Alex Allinson said those figures had improved since the previous year.

Johnston told members Covid had cause the aviation system to "grind" to a halt, and it had been a "lumpy" recovery globally.

He said the government had spent about £7m since 2021 in securing routes, which had enabled the island's current levels of connectivity.

However, he said a strategic review would be brought forward by the end of the year.