Campaigners took part in a demonstration outside Ronaldsway in protest at the use of the airport for training by Royal Saudi Airforce pilots.

The protestors were moved on by airport management and ended up holding their vigil on the roundabout on the main road.

Amnesty International Isle of Man Group and Mannin branch of the Celtic League organised the demonstration against the use of Ronaldsway for the training of Saudi military pilots, given the conflict in Yemen.

The Ministry of Defence has confirmed that Manx air space is used by personnel at the RAF Valley airbase on Anglesey in Wales.

It states that international trainee pilots use the airport and others to practise ’visual approaches and departures’ with their British colleagues.

Phil Matthews, chairman of Amnesty International Isle of Man Group, said: ’The international community has been united in condemning the targeting of civilians during the Yemen Civil War, including children and aid workers.

’The Manx public donated over £4,500 for Yemen and the government’s International Development Fund has provided over £270,000 to charities working in the war-torn country.

’We now discover that while we were providing emergency relief aid and fundraising for the innocent victims of this conflict, our airport has been used to train some of the pilots who have carried out these air strikes.’

Allen Moore, Mannin branch secretary of the Celtic League, said: ’We thank the many members of the public, both residents and visitors, for showing support by blowing their horns, flashing their headlamps or waving as they passed.’

Demonstrators called on Tynwald to voice its concern over the airport’s use by Saudi pilots and for the Manx government to seek confirmation from Westminster that we are - as the Chief Minister maintains - constitutionally obliged to provide training support.