As part of the Isle of Man Airport’s ongoing drainage improvement project, essential overnight work is scheduled to take place on two consecutive nights from Thursday 21 to Friday 22 August, and again from Friday 22 to Saturday 23 August between the hours approximately 8.30pm and 5.30am on both nights.

The work will involve the use of heavy machinery, including multiple excavators and rock breakers, to break up and remove rock in preparation for the installation of the next phase of drainage works.

Due to the open nature of the landscape on the aerodrome and the lack of natural noise barriers, some disturbance is inevitable in the surrounding areas, particularly in Derbyhaven, Ballasalla and Castletown.

More widespread disturbance is possible depending on atmospheric and weather conditions during the operation. Due to the location and nature of the work, it must be completed at night while the airport is closed.

These works are part of a wider strategic investment in the airport’s long-term resilience and operational safety. 

Geoff Pugh, Interim Airport Director, said: 'We regret this activity may cause a disturbance to residents in the vicinity of the airport and I would like to apologise in advance if this is the case. This work is an essential part of our ongoing improvements of the airport’s infrastructure and we are doing everything we can to minimise disruption.’

The rock breaking, which was originally programmed over a two-week period in October, has been brought forward and condensed into two nights following close co-operation between the contractor and airport staff to minimise the duration of the disturbance to residents.

The revised timing of the activity has been planned to take place ahead of the new school term and to coincide with the August Bank Holiday when a majority of residents will hopefully have additional time off work.

Mr Pugh added: 'We recognise that there is no ideal time for work of this nature, but we’ve worked hard to identify the option that causes the least disturbance to local residents.'

The Isle of Man Airport thanks the public for their patience and understanding, and remains committed to maintaining high standards of safety, service, and infrastructure investment.

Airport Drainage Project Update - Transition to Overnight Works

As part of the ongoing Airport Drainage Project, Isle of Man Airport wishes to advise that its appointed contractor will shortly transition fully to night-time operations for the remainder of this phase of works, which is scheduled for completion by the end of November.

To facilitate this transition, two additional nights of rock-breaking will take place on the following dates:

• Thursday 11 to Friday 12 September
• Friday 12 to Saturday 13 September

All works will be conducted overnight, during the Airport’s closure hours, between approximately 8:30pm and 5:30am.

Due to the open nature of the surrounding landscape and the absence of natural noise barriers, residents in Derbyhaven, Ballasalla, and Castletown may experience some noise disturbance during these periods.

For all enquiries relating to this announcement, members of the public and media are kindly requested to contact the airport directly via email to Admin.Airport@gov.im . This will ensure that queries are addressed promptly and accurately by the appropriate team.

Improving infrastructure for a sustainable Future

At the Isle of Man Airport, we are committed to maintaining and enhancing our facilities to meet operational needs while protecting the environment. One of our key infrastructure initiatives is the airport drainage project, a major undertaking aimed at improving the airport's water management systems.

The need for the drainage project

Due to the unique location and layout of the airport, effective water management is essential. Over time, drainage systems can become less efficient due to factors such as ageing infrastructure, changing environmental conditions, and increased operational demands.

The drainage project was launched to:

• Prevent surface water pooling on the airfield, which could impact safety during operations.
• Enhance water flow and drainage capacity to handle heavy rainfall and extreme weather events.
• Protect local watercourses and surrounding ecosystems by improving water quality before it is discharged.

By addressing these issues proactively, the project ensures that the airport continues to operate safely and sustainably.

Timeline and operational approach

The Isle of Man Airport drainage project is scheduled to begin in summer 2025. To minimise any impact on flights and passengers, all work will be carried out outside of operational hours. This careful planning ensures that the airport remains fully functional during the day while essential upgrades are completed efficiently at night or during quieter periods.

We are working closely with contractors and stakeholders to ensure the project runs smoothly and with minimal disruption to the airport’s operations.

Key features of the project

The drainage project involves a comprehensive overhaul of existing systems, including:

• Upgrading Drainage Infrastructure: Modern, high-capacity drains and culverts will be installed to improve water flow and reduce the risk of flooding.
• Water Treatment Improvements: Advanced filtration systems will be added to remove contaminants such as oil, fuel, and debris before water enters local watercourses.
• Environmental Considerations: The project is designed with sustainability in mind, minimising disruption to the local environment and ensuring compliance with environmental regulations.

Benefits for the Island

The drainage project is a vital investment in the long-term resilience of the Isle of Man Airport. It:

• Enhances airfield safety by reducing water-related hazards.
• Improves the sustainability of airport operations, protecting local ecosystems.
• Future-proofs the airport against changing weather patterns and increasing rainfall.

Looking ahead

The drainage project reflects our commitment to maintaining a world-class airport that serves the needs of the Isle of Man while respecting the natural environment.

We look forward to the successful completion of this project and the benefits it will bring to the airport and the Island. Stay tuned for updates as we move closer to the summer 2025 start date!

We’re thrilled to announce a series of exciting upgrades to the Isle of Man Airport’s departure lounge, aimed at improving comfort, convenience, and overall passenger experience. Work is set to begin in March 2025, with several key areas being transformed to offer better facilities and amenities for all travellers.

What’s new?

A bigger and better Costa Coffee area

Our Costa Coffee area is being expanded to deliver a more enjoyable and efficient experience for passengers:

• More seating options to suit everyone, whether you’re relaxing, working, or waiting with family and friends.
• Faster service with additional tills and coffee machines, reducing queuing times during busy hours.
• Wider menu choices, so you can enjoy even more of your favourite snacks and beverages.

A new bar and lounge space

We’re adding a brand-new bar area, offering a perfect space to unwind before your flight.

• Enjoy a modern, comfortable setting to relax with drinks and snacks.
• Take advantage of a variety of seating options, ideal for individuals or groups.
• Start your journey in style in this welcoming, laid-back space.

Upgraded airport seating in the back area

To complement the new lounge areas, we’re introducing modern, comfortable seating throughout the back of the departure lounge.

• Designed for more seating
• Enhanced layout to make better use of the space.

Why are we upgrading?

At the Isle of Man Airport, we’re constantly striving to improve your experience. These enhancements are part of our commitment to:

• reducing congestion in key areas
• providing more choices and amenities for passengers
• ensuring comfort and convenience during your time at the airport.

When will it be ready?

• Start date: March 2025
  
  
• During works: Work has been carefully planned to minimise disruption, and we’ll keep the lounge fully operational during the upgrade period.
  
  
• Completion date: The work will be in phases and will be competed late Spring

Stay updated

We’re excited to bring these improvements to life and can’t wait to share them with you! Be sure to check our website and social media channels for updates as the project progresses.

Isle of Man Airport Car Park: Review and Improvement Plans Underway

The Isle of Man Airport is reviewing its car park operations as part of a wider initiative to modernise infrastructure and improve the passenger experience.

This forms part of a phased improvement programme aimed at delivering a more efficient, accessible, and user-friendly parking system. Key upgrades under consideration include the introduction of an ANPR (Automatic Number Plate Recognition) system, improved signage, and streamlined payment options.

The airport team is working closely with stakeholders to ensure improvements meet the needs of passengers, staff, and service partners.

We welcome your input. Share your thoughts via the feedback form on our website:  https://airport.im/contact-us/feedback/

Further updates will be shared as plans progress.