Air traffic services head made airport director

Gary Cobb, who has been in post since 2022, is set to leave in early November

The head of air traffic services at the Isle of Man Airport has been appointed its interim director.

Geoff Pugh, who has worked at the Ronaldsway facility for five years, takes over from Gary Cobb, who is set to leave in early November.

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

Infrastructure chief officer Emily Curphey said Mr Pugh's 30-year career in aviation, which included 16 years as a Royal Navy air traffic controller, meant he had a "huge amount of experience to bring to the role".

"Allied with his knowledge of the airport and its people, this will ensure the facility is in capable hands while the recruitment process takes place for a permanent airport director," she added.

Airport closures

Mr Pugh's appointment comes as a draft masterplan setting out strategic and remedial actions for the airport, which is set to be presented to Tynwald by the end of the year, is in the process of being created.

In responses to Tynwald questions for written answer last week, Infrastructure Minister Tim Crookall confirmed actions from the plan would cost about £120 million over the next 10 years.

He also revealed plans to remove the airport's two daily closures of the aerodrome by summer 2024 had been delayed until the end of 2025 after two extra air traffic controllers had left.

In June 2023, the airport implemented five daily closures to allow for staff to meet their minimum required rest breaks, which reduced to two daily closures in August last year.

While new staff were in the process of being recruited, the recent departures meant there were currently 16 air traffic controllers in place, up from 14 the previous year.