Isle of Man minister endorses 'open skies' policy

Ronaldsway Airport on the Isle of Man Credit: gov.im

The Enterprise Minister for the Isle of Man has dismissed claims an 'open skies' policy for air travel has had a negative impact.

The Manx government introduced 'open skies' in the early 90s.

This week Guernsey's States is debating a similar move, with proposals to open nearly all routes to competition, except Guernsey-Gatwick and Guernsey-Alderney.

A vote on those proposals is expected today.

Local airline Aurigny has cited the Isle of Man as a jurisdiction where 'open skies' has not been successful, particularly in terms of the frequency of flights.

But Manx Enterprise Minister Laurence Skelly has defended the policy in an email to Guernsey States Member Joe Mooney.