Government apologises after plane mix-up

Rugby charter diverted as Ronaldsway was shut

Government has apologised, after a plane carrying rugby teams from Guernsey was turned away from the Isle of Man at the weekend because Ronaldsway airport wasn't open in time.

A statement issued this evening says: "a rugby charter from Guernsey to the Isle of Man made an unscheduled stop in Manchester briefly due to Air Traffic Control in the Isle of Man not being open initially.
 
"Both the IOM Government and Aurigny would like to apologise for the delay incurred, which was due to a communication breakdown.
 
"The flight continued on to the Isle of Man with no further issues and the return flight was delayed an hour and a half to ensure that the rugby match was completed in good time.
 
"Aurigny and the IOM Government continue to work together and are proud of the airbridge between the islands which has enabled many locals to take holidays and also competitive sporting events to be held with no restrictions."