Passengers arriving at Ronaldsway used to look eagerly through the arrivals area windows to wave to waiting family and friends .

It’s now a thing of the past.

From top to bottom, the glass between the baggage reclaim and those collecting passengers has been blacked out with advertising for Utmost Wealth Solutions.

Airport director Ann Reynolds said they have made the changes like other airports as ’operationally we should not be letting meeters and greeters see into the arrivals corridor and baggage carousel area’.

She added that it boosts the airport’s revenue.

However, this change has caused a bit of a stir among the Manx public.

We went to Strand Street in Douglas to ask shoppers what they thought about it.

’I haven’t seen it, but I have seen some photos of it.

’I cannot see what they are achieving by it,’ said Ernie Thorn, 74, from Onchan.

It has been six months since he last went through arrivals.

’How does that work on security? I don’t understand it. How does it make it more secure by doing that?’ he continued.

’Quite often it’s the little ones that love seeing people come through.

’They cannot wait enough to see them. It’s totally family unfriendly.’

Karen Brew, from Ramsey, said: ’It was nicer before when you could see people arriving. I preferred it before, but it’s not a nuisance.’

Ealish Brew, 23, from Port Erin agreed, saying: ’It was especially nice for the children to see people arriving.

’I went through arrivals a couple of weeks ago. I knew the blacked-out windows were there but didn’t realise it was the whole way round.

’When I went to pick up my bag I couldn’t tell if anyone was there until I came out.’

Colby resident Keith Woodhead, 45, does not see what the big fuss is all about.

’Anything that enhances security is a good idea,’ he said.

’The children probably look forward to seeing their grandparents, but when I go to the airport I don’t want to stay around and check out the views. I know what it all looks like. What’s the point in getting excited about the blacked out windows? You’re only waiting for 10 minutes to collect the bags.’

Bride couple Jackie and Graham Turner, who are both 55, believe the windows should not be covered up.

’I think it’s a bit silly because you’re not going to be able to see your relatives come through,’ Jackie said.

’Going through there would make me feel enclosed.

’There’s no need for it. We’re in the Isle of Man for goodness sake!

’The idea is when you get to arrivals you can say "they’re over there", but when it’s blacked out you cannot say it.

’The island is supposed to be welcoming and that’s not.’

Graham added: ’It would make you feel a bit uninvited.’

Angela Kelly from Onchan has not seen the change, as she last went through arrivals a year and a half ago.

However, she doesn’t think that having the windows covered ’is right’.

’I think it’s better to be able to see people, especially when you have a limited time to get out of your car to check they’re there and help them with their bags.’