Could ongoing issues at the Island's Airport be sorted next month?

It comes as the Council of Ministers met with the Airport Director on Thursday, regarding the shortage of air traffic controllers.

In June, the Airport announced it was closing its runway five times a day to meet 'required' rest periods for air traffic controllers amid staff shortages - resulting in numerous delays and cancellations. 

Now, the Airport's Director says its long-term plan is to employ 18 fully qualified air traffic controllers over the next three years.

In the short term, government says there is' growing confidence' some of the current closure times to accommodate mandatory rest breaks could be lifted as early as August. 

Chief Minister Alfred Cannan said: "This has been a difficult time for travellers and businesses. We are working as hard as possible to get air traffic control properly resourced and the long term plan includes additional investment in staff to bring extra resilience to air services at Ronaldsway."

Minister for Infrastructure Chris Thomas added: "I am grateful for the commitment shown by our air traffic controllers to get more staff trained and operational as soon as possible, alongside innovation in the tower.  I am hoping that our short term plans will see many restrictions eased in August."