Isle of Man ‘air bridge’ to be discussed next week
A DECISION that could pave the way for quarantine-free travel to the Isle of Man could be made as early as next week.
Talks have been taking place between the two coronavirus-free jurisdictions about a potential travel corridor, although speaking yesterday the Isle of Man chief minister Howard Quayle offered a note of caution.
Meanwhile, Jersey’s chief minister has indicated that its borders should re-open within the first two weeks of July.
Yesterday, at an IoM media briefing, Mr Quayle said no decision would be made to open the borders until at least next week, because the decision to use emergency Covid-19 powers was not taken lightly.
Mr Quayle said his inbox was full of messages from people asking him to keep the borders closed.
‘We are listening. To be clear, we are not ready to open our borders. We’re in a good place at this time but we need to keep ourself in this good place.’
As of Monday, 6,022 people in the Isle of Man have been tested for Covid-19 out of 85,000 residents.
Confirmed cases totalled 336 people, but there have been no new cases for 33 days.
A travel corridor with Guernsey would be welcomed by a Manx hotelier with links to the Channel Islands.
Regency and Penta Hotels general manager Tim Baggaley said: ‘An air bridge between the IoM and Guernsey would be an excellent idea and would be appreciated by Guernsey and IoM residents alike. The IoM hospitality industry is surviving solely on staycations. This is limited so we can cast our net to a larger audience it could potentially be successful and safe.’
Bars and restaurants were busy this weekend as Manx businesses reopened as normal.
‘Having worked on the island of Herm many years ago I personally would love to visit the Bailiwick again and I know that the people of Guernsey would be very welcome on the Isle of Man.’
Manx borders closed from 23 March except for repatriation, compassionate travel, or those planning to move permanently.
Jersey expects to reopen its borders by the first fortnight of July, chief minister John Le Fondre said.
The schedule of essential ‘lifeline’ flights between Jersey, Southampton and London Gatwick operated by Blue Islands has been extended until 19 July, but Senator Le Fondre said that he expected airlines to be operating commercial flights before that point.
Those wishing to travel to France may also be able to do so from early July, he added.
More than 1,000 passengers arriving at Jersey Airport from Southampton and Gatwick have been tested for Covid-19 during a three-week trial with no positive cases.
