Travel watchdog raises concerns over "open skies" policy

A local travel watchdog has issued a plea to government to re-examine its ‘open skies’ policy in an effort to bring about a more balanced playing field for the air services operating to and from the Island.

Travelwatch Isle of Man says there were previous attempts to encourage a change to the system two years ago when the former government administration was in place.

The group now feels that the ‘open skies’ policy poses considerable danger of opportunist non-Island carriers, to move only onto the busiest routes.

It’s asking why government can’t re-examine the system given its considerable influence on sea services.

Terry Liddiard is a committee member of Travelwatch, he says particular attention needs to be paid to the future of the Gatwick service:

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