Air traffic control availability affected by Covid-19

Follows claim that easyJet flight had to 'orbit' airport

Availability of air traffic control staff has been affected by 'training limitations' caused by Covid-19.

That's according to the Department of Infrastructure after claims that an easyJet flight was unable to land, earlier this week, due to air traffic control being 'closed'.

It's alleged that the plane, en-route to the Island from Gatwick, had to 'orbit' to delay its arrival.

Last nights inbound @easyjet flight to @IOMAirport had fly an orbit to delay their arrival, and not due to lack of approach aids or lighting this time. It was due to #ATC being closed for a period citing staff shortages. Is this how to run an airport @TimCrookall 🧐🇮🇲 pic.twitter.com/zTGj5Rz368

— Charles Price (@ChuckIOM) November 17, 2021

 
A statement issued to Manx Radio by the Isle of Man Airport said:

"A well-established procedure is in place regarding periods when some ATC services may be affected by staffing issues - such as training, illness or compulsory fatigue breaks - and involves airlines and pilots being notified directly through the internationally-recognised format of Notices to Airmen - commonly known as NOTAMs.

"This process has recently been improved with pilots being provided with more specific timings."