Air traffic services safe despite ageing radar system says minister

Replacement would have to consider impact of any future wind farm

Ronaldsway Airport's primary radar system has been taken out of service and its other system is 'ageing' according to the infrastructure minister.

But Tim Crookall insists air traffic services at the site are safe and continue to be provided without impacting flights.

In the House of Keys he confirmed the radar was taken out of service at the end of November 2025 following a deterioration in performance and reliability:

Minister Crookall told members: "The airport operates a number of communications, navigation, and surveillance systems which support air traffic control in providing resilient and safe aerodrome and approach control services.

"The primary radar system was taken out of service at the end of November 2025 following a deterioration in performance and reliability.

"Despite engagement with the manufacturer, these issues could not be resolved and a decision was subsequently taken to cease operation with the system.

"The other system remains operational and continues to provide the surveillance capability required to safely manage air traffic.

"However it is also an ageing system with increasing obsolescence and limited availability of manufacturer support and spare parts.

"The department has been considering its future radar requirements and is cognitive of the potential impact of the wind farm developments."

He confirmed his department intends to start replacing the radar equipment next year and it would stay on the site until a suitable replacement is found.

Mr Crookall says the now-decommissioned radar was purchased in or around 2011 and spare parts can no longer be sourced from the manufacturer.

The minister says any replacement radar system would have to take into account the potential impact of new wind farm developments on the Island.

Arbory, Castletown and Malew MHK Jason Moorhouse asked whether Manx Utilities, as the authority behind the Cair Vie Onshore Windfarm Project, would be expected to pay a contribution to the cost of the new radar system.

Mr Moorhouse claimed: "The cost here could exceed £10 million."

Minister Crookall said the authority would be required to pay 'some sort of contribution' if a wind farm creates radar issues for which an update is required.

But he added: "The performance of the secondary radar system at the moment, it works, it's good, but it could be a lot better, and it's getting old.

"We need to make sure we replace that soon."