Due to recent snow and icy conditions, Isle of Man Airport was closed today for passenger flights (5/1/26). We understand how important the airport is for our residents and visitors. Keeping the airport operational is our focus, with safety as the most important consideration, and we want to keep you informed about why these measures are in place and what we’re doing to reopen as soon as possible. 

Isle of Man Airport – Questions & Answers 

Airport Closure and Safety 

1) Why is the airport not open even though the snow is melting / the sun is out? 
Snow and ice have made the runways unsafe for aircraft operations - safety will always come first. We continually monitor aerodrome surfaces to decide when and how best to deal with snow and ice. When the sun is out, clear skies often lead to lower temperatures. 

2) Who decides when to close or reopen the airport? 
The decision is made by airport senior management, having considered advice and information from across the airport estate, data from the Ronaldsway Met Office, and any external factors from the wider DOI and other Government Departments. 

Snow Clearance and De-Icing 

3) What have we done to clear the snow and ice? 
Our operations team began snow clearance and de-icing work yesterday in preparation for the forecast conditions today. This was in addition to previous treatments carried out during the cold conditions over the weekend. Specialist equipment, including snow ploughs and brushes, are available and are deployed. 

4) What procedures are in place for snow clearance? 
We have a regular programme of routine daily aerodrome inspections, and our Operations team keeps in close contact with the Ronaldsway Met Office, particularly during inclement weather. Our winter operations procedures set out the methodology for dealing with snow and ice. These procedures are reviewed and updated annually and include a prioritisation system for our various runways, taxiways, and aprons. 

5) How many snow removal vehicles does the airport have? 
Two tractors, each of which can be fitted with de-icing rigs, snow ploughs, or snow brushes. 

6) What de-icing fluid and equipment are available for use at the airport? 
The airport uses two de-icing chemical compounds. One is a potassium acetate solution, which is used on the runways, taxiways, and apron taxiways. The second is a sodium acetate pellet used around apron stands, as this can be spread by hand where the sprayer can’t reach. Menzies, our ground handling agent, uses a separate spray system for aircraft de-icing. 

7) Is the airport located in a special interest zone or wildlife reserve? 
Yes, the airport is adjacent to the Derbyhaven Marine Nature Reserve. We must be conscious of how all airport activities can impact this, including the use of chemical de-icing treatments during cold and wintry weather. 

8) Are we using the most effective de-icer, or is there a more environmentally friendly option available? 
The chemicals used at airports for de-icing have changed over the years. Glycols are still used for aircraft de-icing but are increasingly avoided on aerodrome surfaces due to aquatic concerns, as are older (yet more effective) urea-based fluids, which break down into ammonia and can cause significant pollution. We also do not use chloride salts, as used on roads, because they are highly corrosive to aircraft and equipment. 

Operational Updates and Passenger Guidance 

9) Will the airport be open tomorrow (6/1/26), and if not, when will announcements be made? 
We’re monitoring conditions closely and will reopen as soon as it’s safe. Updates will be posted on our website and social channels as soon as possible. 

10) Why can other airports with snowy conditions remain open while Isle of Man Airport cannot? 
Each airport has different infrastructure, equipment, and operational considerations. We’re not the only airport affected today, with Liverpool also closed due to ice for the majority of the day. Larger airports often have multiple runways, extensive taxiway networks, and 24-hour operations, allowing them to invest in extensive snow clearance resources. Smaller airports like ours operate more limited facilities and must prioritise safety above all else. 

11) What should passengers with connecting flights or potential refunds do? 
Please contact your airline directly for advice on rebooking or alternative arrangements. Airlines will manage passenger transfers and contingency plans. 

Communications and Updates 

12) How does the airport communicate with airlines and operators during disruptions? 
We maintain direct communication with all airlines and operators through established channels to coordinate flight schedules, cancellations, and passenger support. 

Airports share time-critical operational information with airlines using standardised aviation notices. The primary tool is the NOTAM (Notice to Airmen), which alerts airlines and pilots to any change that could affect operations - such as runway closures, lighting outages, construction, or navigation aid issues. 

For winter operations, airports use SNOWTAMs, a specialised type of NOTAM. SNOWTAMs report runway and taxiway surface conditions caused by snow, ice, slush, or standing water, using a standardised format that supports aircraft performance and safety decisions. 

Together, NOTAMs and SNOWTAMs form a common operational language, ensuring airports and airlines stay aligned in real time - no matter the location or weather. 

13) Why have social media comments been switched off? 
We’ve temporarily disabled comments on some posts so we can concentrate on publishing timely and accurate information. If you have feedback or complaints, you can still access our feedback system via airport.im/contact-us/feedback. 

14) How will I know when the airport reopens? 
Follow our official social channels and check our website for real-time updates: airport.im/live-flight-information. 

Thank you for your patience and understanding. Stay safe, and we wish you a smooth journey when you travel.