The airport’s master plan, outlining a £100 million investment blueprint, remains under development as it continues to operate under “special attention” regulatory status.
The plan, designed to guide future infrastructure and operational priorities, hinges on demand forecasts, environmental considerations, and stakeholder input, according to DoI Minister Dr Michelle Haywood.
Dr Haywood confirmed the airport’s focus remains on stabilising day-to-day operations and ensuring core infrastructure is secure, during Keys on Tuesday,
“Before a meaningful master plan, it’s essential to enhance the reliability of operations,” she said.
Performance
Despite leadership changes, the management team has prioritised safety and resilience, with monthly board reviews of performance and risk.
Chris Thomas raised concerns over transparency, urging earlier publication of investment requirements: “It’s vital to have radar and other systems in place before spending elsewhere.”
Dr Haywood acknowledged the need for public reporting but stressed operational resilience as the immediate priority.
The airport’s “special attention” status, imposed due to compliance requirements, remains in place. ]
However, Dr Haywood cited a “robust yet co-operative approach” with regulators, while he also noted improvements take time.
Julie Edge questioned the delay, asking, “What’s been done since September 2023?” with Dr Haywood pledging to provide details to members.
Kate Lord-Brennan highlighted the role of non-executive directors, with Dr Haywood confirming efforts to recruit additional expertise.
The airport’s annual report, promised in 2023 to enhance transparency, has yet to materialise.
Mr Thomas pressed for its release, to which Dr Haywood replied: “Monthly reports are scrutinised, but public reporting remains an aspiration.”
This article has been corrected to show it was the DoI minister who replied to this questions, not DfE minister Tim Johnston. I apologise for any confusion caused by that error.
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