Airport departure lounge to get an upgrade

Bosses have "secured a solution" for the facility

Airport bosses say the departure lounge at Ronaldsway Airport will soon get an upgrade, subject to agreements being signed.

The update comes after people took to social media recently to comment on conditions at the facility.

Posters highlighted the dirty, stained and ripped chairs in the departure lounge – describing them as 'embarrassing'.

Others described them as ‘disgusting’ and ‘scruffy’ or said they were ‘embarrassed’, or had ‘seen better in third world countries’.

Some even added that they had emailed the airport to complain about this.

In a statement, Airport Director Gary Cobb told Manx Radio: "The airport has been aware for some time that certain areas are not in optimal condition. 

"Funding has been a significant issue, as any available money has been required to maintain safety-critical areas of the airport to ensure it remains open and operational. 

"Consequently, other areas, such as customer experience, have suffered. However, the airport has now secured a solution for the departure lounge, and we hope to announce this soon, once agreements have been signed."

He added: "We also have several opportunities for businesses to sponsor areas of the terminal, which will help promote their business and improve the customer experience, like Island Escapes have done with the water fountain.

"If anyone is interested in these opportunities, please contact airportads@gov.im."