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So planning permission has been granted to extend the runway at Ronaldsway into the sea. But is it really necessary?
Ronaldsway's main runway isn't the shortest in regular use nor does it hold the claim to be the scariest for landings and take-offs.
Skiathos, in the Aegean Sea, is a mere one mile (1.5km) long and Gibraltar only 1.1 miles (1.8km), and the latter seems to accommodate a wide range of aircraft.
St Maarten, in the Dutch Antilles, is slightly longer at 1.2 miles (2km) but, despite its lack of length, receives direct flights from as far away as Holland and France; and apparently all without any mishap.
However, other short runways, such as Funchal, Madeira, and Wellington, in New Zealand, have either been extended or are in the process of being extended.
Hong Kong airport was completely relocated to another Island, not that flattening the Calf of Man is a realistic option for the IOM.
However, the Island has two other existing airfields, one of which is still serviceable.
Jurby 'Airport' is surely a viable alternative to Ronaldsway, especially as the weather tends to be better in the north.
The Manx Herald attempted to confirm the length of the Jurby runway with the Airport's Division of the Department of Transport, but was informed that, as it is unlicensed, no length is available!
However, we suspect the length is sufficient to accommodate the types of aircraft proposed for Ronaldsway; and more land is available without going out to sea if the runway needs extending. (The road could be 'under-passed' like at many other airports, e.g. Heathrow.)
Other Island's, such as Tenerife, have relocated their main airport, partly for weather reasons, which has resulted in a significant boost to the economy of that area of the Island.
The north of the Island needs to attract investment to prevent a growing imbalance between the eastern area, around Douglas, and the rest of the Island.
Moving the main airport to Jurby is an option that should not be dismissed.
£50m - £60m expenditure is planned for Ronaldsway over the next few years - and that would go a long way to bringing Jurby up to the necessary standard.
Post your comment
Comments (3 posted)
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Posted by Philip Corlett, 10 March, 2008 06:13:00The RESA does seem to be another white elephant in the making and a very expensive one at that. RESA's are only a recommendation in the CAA's reg's NOT law. FlyBe's aircraft can land on the crosswinds runway never mind the main one AND are highly efficient in fuel and better for the environment in emmissions. Somebody is going to make a lot of money out of this project with no gain for the Island and the Derbyhaven/Langness area marine environment may well be decimated with all the silt/pollution that's going to be produced.
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Posted by VJ, 04 August, 2007 10:22:38I don't think much of your investigative skills - a quick Google was all that was needed to discover the length of the runway. Try it and see. Also please sort your fonts out!
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Posted by Chris Robertshaw, 01 August, 2007 01:16:08The future of Tourism in the Isle of Man will, rather obviously, depend on the ease and cost of access through our main gateways. With particular regard to the the Airport, it will further depend both on the economies of scale achieved and the degree of practical convenience of use provided for the airline operators.I therefore see further Government investment in Ronaldsway as an extremely important and urgent matter. The Jurby debate is simply a distraction.
