The airport’s primary radar system was taken out of service in November 2025 after performance deteriorated beyond repair, Infrastructure Minister Tim Crookall has said.
Mr Crookall told Keys the system had been switched off “following a deterioration in performance and reliability despite engagement with the manufacturer”.
He added: “These issues could not be resolved, and a decision was subsequently taken to cease operation of the system.”
The secondary radar remains in use, but the minister described it as “an ageing system with increasing obsolescence and limited availability of manufacturer support and spare parts”.
Safe
He stressed that safe air traffic services continue “with no impact on passenger operations”.
The department expects to begin replacing the radar equipment next year. Mr Crookall said the existing primary radar “will stay there for the time being, until we find a replacement”.
Jason Moorhouse MHK raised concerns over costs, suggesting the bill could “exceed £10 million”. He also asked whether wind farm developers would be expected to contribute.
Mr Crookall replied: “Wind farms, if they are built in an area of airports where they’ve got radar issues, are expected to look at paying some sort of contribution.”