Current amount of runway closures 'no longer necessary' as ATC staffing rosters adjusted

Airport confirms security machines will also be upgraded ahead of TT

The number of Air Traffic Control closures at Ronaldsway Airport are to be reduced from tomorrow (1 May).

Currently, the aerodrome closes daily from 8:30am - 9:05am, and from 11am - 11:35am.

But airport officials say a 'significant number of these closures will no longer be necessary' going forward 'thanks to ongoing training of air traffic controllers'.

The closures were first introduced in Summer 2023 due to a shortage of qualified ATCs, to allow for necessary rest breaks in accordance with regulatory requirements.

However, the airport has confirmed it can now adjust its staffing rosters to 'help reduce the impact on daily operations'.

It says the change couldn't have been made sooner, as training a new air traffic controller takes three to four years, and experienced controllers relocating from other airports still require 6–18 months for local certification.

Additionally, it must comply with 'strict fatigue management regulations to ensure safe operations'.

SECURITY

Elsewhere, new security machines are to be installed in the coming weeks to comply with UK Department for Transport (DfT) regulations.

The first machine upgrade will begin tomorrow (1 May), before work is paused during the peak TT period to minimise disruption.

The second machine upgrade will then occur after the TT period concludes.

Whilst this work is undertaken, passengers are being warned of longer queues as only one security machine will be operational at a time.

But extra staff 'will be available to assist with passenger flow'.

Passenger procedures will remain unchanged, with liquids under 100ml placed in clear plastic bags, and laptops removed from hand luggage during screening.

The airport says this work was originally planned for the quieter winter months, but it was hit with supply chain issues affecting the availability of critical parts.

The new scanners will not be the more advanced C3 scanners (in which you can leave liquids and electronics in your bag), as installing them 'would require major terminal redevelopment', which is 'not currently viable' and  the UK Department for Transport has not mandated the use of C3 technology for the Isle of Man airport at this time.