Government 'will intervene in air market if necessary'

Tynwald to consider new air policy

The Isle of Man Government intends to continue with the Open Skies policy for air travel, but will intervene in the market if necessary.

That's the proposed strategic air services policy due to be considered by Tynwald later this month.

Members will be asked to approve the policy, which reiterates the commitment to Open Skies, but allows government to step in to ensure air routes provide for the social and economic requirements of the Isle of Man.

The Department for Enterprise's report has identified four core routes - Dublin, Liverpool, Manchester and London.

The document states direct intervention in the market was necessary to ensure these services were maintained post Covid, with the recovery of air travel since the pandemic described as challenging.

It goes on to say air services are relatively stable at present, but this has only been achieved through government intervention and a longer-term approach is now required.

The policy also highlights a need to increase regional connectivity, have more international routes and incentivise the development of new routes.

If approved by Tynwald, it's hoped the policy will enable more informed commercial discussions with airlines.