As part of the Isle of Man Airport’s ongoing drainage improvement project, essential overnight work is scheduled to take place on two consecutive nights from Thursday 21 to Friday 22 August, and again from Friday 22 to Saturday 23 August between the hours approximately 8.30pm and 5.30am on both nights.
The work will involve the use of heavy machinery, including multiple excavators and rock breakers, to break up and remove rock in preparation for the installation of the next phase of drainage works.
Due to the open nature of the landscape on the aerodrome and the lack of natural noise barriers, some disturbance is inevitable in the surrounding areas, particularly in Derbyhaven, Ballasalla and Castletown.
More widespread disturbance is possible depending on atmospheric and weather conditions during the operation. Due to the location and nature of the work, it must be completed at night while the airport is closed.
These works are part of a wider strategic investment in the airport’s long-term resilience and operational safety. Full details of the development programme and its objectives can be found on the airport’s website.
Geoff Pugh, Interim Airport Director, said:
'We regret this activity may cause a disturbance to residents in the vicinity of the airport and I would like to apologise in advance if this is the case. This work is an essential part of our ongoing improvements of the airport’s infrastructure and we are doing everything we can to minimise disruption.’
The rock breaking, which was originally programmed over a two-week period in October, has been brought forward and condensed into two nights following close co-operation between the contractor and airport staff to minimise the duration of the disturbance to residents.
The revised timing of the activity has been planned to take place ahead of the new school term and to coincide with the August Bank Holiday when a majority of residents will hopefully have additional time off work.
Mr Pugh added:
'We recognise that there is no ideal time for work of this nature, but we’ve worked hard to identify the option that causes the least disturbance to local residents.'
The Isle of Man Airport thanks the public for their patience and understanding, and remains committed to maintaining high standards of safety, service, and infrastructure investment.
