Air Services Review
Strategic Air Services Policy
The Strategic Air Services Policy, unanimously supported by Tynwald in January 2025, sets out a policy position and strategic approach which aims to secure the Isle of Man's air connectivity.
The policy states that the Island upholds the overarching principle of Open Skies while enabling Government intervention in the Air Services market to the extent necessary for the social and economic well-being of the Isle of Man.
The strategic framework sets out the broad approach to making more effective use of commercial levers with the aim of delivering longer term security and surety across core, strategically important routes, as well as increasing regional connectivity to drive growth in passenger numbers and ensure the Island remains well connected on a year round basis.
About the Air Services Review
During 2021, in response to concerns over the Island’s connectivity by air following the disruption to aviation more generally throughout the COVID pandemic, the Department for Enterprise (DfE) was directed by the Council of Ministers to seek an independent review of Isle of Man Air Services. Following a competitive procurement process, Steer were appointed to undertake the review and report back to Government.
The purpose of the review was to inform the development of a future long-term strategy which would seek to secure air services which meet the economic and social needs of the Island.
Since the report was received, work has continued across Government led by the Department of Infrastructure (DoI) with support from other Departments including DfE. This has included the establishment of a Strategic Air Group (SAG) which monitors the core strategic routes and makes recommendations to the DoI Minister as required. Additionally, an open market approach to airlines has been undertaken to assess both interest and ability to provide services on the Island’s core routes, focussing initially on the North West and London regions.
The report was held back from publication pending completion of this initial market testing process, however, the version of the report now being published was issued to all airlines participating in the process.
Progress continues to be made through close dialogue with airlines, with a number of key routes being secured, together with an increase in regional connectivity being delivered, throughout 2023. The long-term securing of frequent and resilient air services, which provide choice and flexibility for business and leisure travellers, remains a priority for Government in line with the ambitions of the Island Plan and Economic Strategy.
