Infrastructure Minster Jason Moorhouse has admitted he is anxious for Loganair to confirm its schedule for Isle of Man routes next summer.
In the House of Keys on Tuesday, Middle MHK James Cochrane asked if there were any outstanding matters between Isle of Man Airport and Loganair that had prevented the airline from publishing its schedule beyond March 27, 2027.
The minister said there were “no outstanding matters” between the airport and the airline.
Asked whether he had spoken to Loganair chiefs, or whether he planned to, Moorhouse said: “Unfortunately, in this case, I have not been able to speak to the key people at Loganair about this specifically.”
Although the publication of a timetable may fall outside the department’s remit, he added: “We are eager to see it in terms of it would allow us to plan more effectively.
“It is something I have spoken to other ministers about. Hopefully the information will be coming through in the very near future.”
Aware of Concerns
He pledged to update MHKs when he knew more.
“I am aware of constituents who have got concerns, business people who have got concerns,” said Moorhouse.
“We are working to move this forward so hopefully there will be positive news in the near future.”
It is understood that the Council of Ministers is due to discuss the Loganair situation later this week.
Challenges Ahead
Douglas East MHK Andy Saunders asked for an assurance for travellers that there would be no risk to any routes after March 2027.
Moorhouse said: “Everyone at the airport, everyone in the DoI, is eager to see more routes, more opportunities and, as a consequence, that is where we are focussing our work.
“Inevitably there will be challenges, but we will meet them and we will try and find any solutions to any challenges that present themselves.”
Steam Packet
Glenfaba and Peel MHK Katryna Baptist asked about the Steam Packet schedules only running until May next year, rather than a longer period in advance.
Moorhouse said he expected the Steam Packet to respond “accordingly”.
