Committee takes fresh look at open skies

Input invited from members of the public

A fresh public debate on the Isle of Man's 'open skies' policy is on the horizon.

A Tynwald committee is to examine whether the Island's ready to change the way it licences or charges airlines using Ronaldsway, to ensure links with the UK.

The Environment and Infrastructure Policy Review Committee is asking for input from anyone keen to comment on the issue.

A previous Tynwald committee produced a raft of recommendations in 2013, to ensure the open skies policy could be swiftly amended or replaced, should 'commercial reality' demand change.

The current regime allows airlines to compete freely for routes and passengers, with no restrictions or minimum levels of service.  

The previous committee considered a licensing or 'light touch' regime may be needed in future, to ensure key routes and timings are maintained. 

Also on the table, a suggestion the government could franchise an operation, and itself buy landing slots. 

The current committee wants an update on what progress has been made on preparing for those scenarios.

It's also seeking fresh submissions from the public - until Friday 20 October.