The collapse of Stobart air has resulted in the loss of regional flights from the Isle of Man to Dublin.

Discussions are underway with Emerald Air with a view for flights to be taken over in 3 years from now.

3 years of no direct flights between the Isle of Man and Dublin is not good enough. Boats don’t go often enough and only for certain times of the year and many go directly to Belfast instead of Dublin, for example, the Christmas Boat. Travelling to Belfast is not ideal for some who need to go down South.

My wedding has been postponed to April 2022 due to Covid-19 and now I am struggling with arranging suitable travel for my family to come to the Island from Ireland as boats do not commence from Ireland until mid-April and my family, many of whom are elderly and have no means of travel, would not be able for the journey to Belfast and additional travel required.

It is time that the IOM improves routes between IOM and Dublin and takes action to secure flights between both.