Minister concerned at closure of Flybe Island base

Infrastructure Minister David Cretney has expressed his sadness and concern after it was announced that Flybe are to close their aircraft base at Ronaldsway at the end of next March with the loss of 49 local jobs.

Flybe is carrying out a strategic review of their network and it was known that  this would lead to a reduction in the number of regional airport bases and around 500 redundancies across the British Isles.

Yesterday afternoon (Fri) the company confirmed that it will be closing its Island base, along with five other regional airports.

Currently 3 aircraft are based at Ronaldsway, though one was going to leave at the end of the March when Flybe stops operating the Gatwick route.

Mr Cretney says he hopes the company will do all it can to help those who are losing their jobs and adds that his department along with colleagues in DED will do all they can to help them find alternative employment on the Island.

Flybe have stated that they remain "fully committed" to services to the Isle of Man and are trying to reassure passengers that they can continue to book with confidence.

Director of Ports, Ann Reynolds says it's not entirely clear what effect the review may have on routes.

Mrs Reynolds adds that if appropriate, the Department will work hard to find an alternative carrier on any route that faces closure.