Security jobs could be lost at the airport as the service may be contracted out later in the year.

The service, based at Ronaldsway, operates as a 24/7 security team for the entirety of the airport site.

However, this week a reader contacted the Manx Independent saying they were concerned about the future of the service.

The informant told us that a tender was due to be issued for a private security force to undertake the role.

They added: ’I believe options for ones there now are redundancy or redeployment.’

The insider said that they had been told the change was likely to happen in the autumn.

The Manx Independent contacted the Department of Infrastructure for a response to these claims and it confirmed changes were being discussed. A spokesman for the DoI said: ’The department is currently consulting with staff in the aviation security section and their unions about possible changes to how this service is delivered in future.

’Staff members are aware this process is taking place - no decisions have been made and none will be made until the period of consultation has concluded.’