Isle of Man airport to reduce daily closures in air traffic control ahead of TT races
Staff at the Isle of Man airport have confirmed there will be a reduction in the number of closures within air traffic control (ATC), ahead of the annual TT races.
Ronaldsway Airport has faced significant disruption since September 2023, due to a shortage in qualified ATC staff.
The runway has been closed daily twice a day to allow for necessary rest breaks, which is a regulatory requirement for those working within ATC.
Currently the scheduled rest breaks are between 8:30-9:05am and from 11:00-11:35am.
However, staff at the airport say 'a significant number of these closures will no longer be necessary', due to 'ongoing training of air traffic controllers'.
Ronaldsway Airport have been contacted for further information regarding the updated closure times.
A lack of air traffic controllers has led to daily closures of the runway at Ronaldsway for a couple of years.
In a Facebook post, a spokesperson for the airport said 'training a new air traffic controller can take between three to four years'.
Experienced controllers coming from other airports also require 6-18 months for an Isle of Man certification, allowing them to operate within the island.
Staff say the new change will lead to 'fewer disruptions during the day, especially when flights are delayed'.
Other operational updates shared by the airport included updated security measures.
New machines will be installed in the coming weeks in the central search areas of the main terminal, ensuring compliance with the UK Department for Transport.
Airport officials say liquids under 100ml must still be placed in a clear plastic bag, and laptops must be removed from hand luggage during screening.
Work to upgrade the system will begin from May 1, meaning only one security machine will be available in the time leading up to the Isle of Man TT.
The TT races are due to run from Monday 26 May to Saturday 7 June.
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