Flight Chaos - Navigation Equipment To Blame?

Sun, 12 Mar 2023

There were widespread cancellations and diversions at Ronaldsway Airport today due to issues with the Airport's Instrument Landing System (ILS).

A "NOTAM" (Notice to Airmen) had been published by National Air Traffic Services warning pilots that for the month of March, the ILS system on Runway 26 is currently 'Unserviceable'.

Runway 26 is used when aircraft approach the Island from over the sea along the east coast.

The Easyjet flight from London Gatwick (EZY855) made an approach attempt, but then diverted back to Gatwick.

Loganair's Heathrow arrival (LM676) was diverted to Liverpool and other flights were cancelled at their departure airport.

The Airport told some passengers that flights were disrupted due to 'visibility' issues.

However a pilot has told Energy FM News, that a fully functioning ILS would have likely enabled most, if not all the flights to have arrived safely.

There was nobody available from the Airport for comment this evening.

Pilots have warned that more disruption is highly likely without a fully functioning ILS.

 

This afternoon's Arrivals Board

Dublin	EI3216	16:20	Cancelled
London Heathrow	LM676	16:30	Diverted
Manchester	LM698	17:25	Cancelled
London Gatwick	EZY855	19:30	Diverted
Liverpool	LM688	19:55	Cancelled
London City	LM678	20:05	Cancelled

This afternoon's Departures Board

London Gatwick	EZY854	15:40	Cancelled
Manchester	EZY326	16:00	Departed 16:12
London City	LM677	16:40	Cancelled
Dublin	EI3217	16:45	Cancelled
Liverpool	LM687	18:00	Cancelled
London Gatwick	EZY856	20:00	Cancelled

 

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