Closure times for ATC rest breaks could be lifted as early as August

Closure times for air traffic control to accommodate mandatory rest breaks could be lifted as early as August.

That's according to the Council of Ministers, which has confirmed it met yesterday with the Airport Director to seek further reassurances regarding the planned resolution for the shortage currently facing the Island's aviation industry.

It's hoped there will be 18 fully qualified air traffic controllers situated at Ronaldsway in the next three years, compared to the 14 currently employed, with nine operational.

A training and examination programme is underway for new recruits and this will continue for the next 18 months to bring more fully qualified air traffic control staff onto the roster.

In a statement, government said: "In the short term, there is growing confidence that some of the closure times for air traffic control to accommodate mandatory rest breaks could be lifted as early as August."

Chief Minister Alfred Cannan said: "This has been a difficult time for travellers and businesses. We are working as hard as possible to get air traffic control properly resourced and the long term plan includes additional investment in staff to bring extra resilience to air services at Ronaldsway."

Minister for Infrastructure Chris Thomas added: "I am grateful for the commitment shown by our air traffic controllers to get more staff trained and operational as soon as possible, alongside innovation in the tower.  I am hoping that our short term plans will see many restrictions eased in August."