The island’s Chamber of Commerce is among those business groups which have voiced their support for the Northern Runway proposals at London’s Gatwick Airport.

The plans are to use the northern runway in dual operation with the main one, which the airport says will reduce delays and increase global connectivity.

Alongside those from Belfast, Guernsey, Londona and Sussex, the IoMCOC signed a letter sent to Transport Secretary Grant Shapps which said they are ’encouraged by the plans which will bring much needed air capacity and so improve connectivity’.

IoMCOC president Kristan McDonald commented: ’Gatwick has long been a vital route for the island as it’s obviously very convenient for our business community to access London itself, but it also represents an important international link for onward business travel, as well as holiday makers and tourists.

’Expanding capacity will allow greater connectivity to other destinations and offers the ability to get increased frequency of flights for our residents and businesses.

’The development of the Northern runway will provide greater connectivity with the UK and internationally and as a Chamber we wholly support this project.’

Currently, EasyJet is the only operator providing flights from the island to Gatwick, up to twice daily.

Gatwick’s £500 million plans to use the second runway, which is currently only used for taxiing and emergencies, would see it open by summer of 2029 and boost airport passenger capacity to 75 million.