The Airport Served By a Narrow Gauge Steam Railway
In an era dominated by low-cost carriers and expensive airport parking, many travelers seek public transport as a more economical and sustainable means of reaching airports. While many airports have their own train stations, one particular airport stands out with its unique and charming connection via a narrow gauge steam railway.
The Airport in Question
The Isle of Man Airport (IOM), located in Ronaldsway in the parish of Malew, is the airport that boasts this distinctive feature. Just seven miles (11 km) southwest of Douglas, the capital of the Isle of Man, this airport has a rich history dating back to the 1920s. Initially, motorcycle racing spurred aviation development on the island, leading to the commencement of scheduled passenger services in the 1930s. During World War II, it was taken over by the Armed Forces and known as RAF Ronaldsway. Commercial services resumed post-war, and today, the airport operates multiple runways and serves a variety of destinations.
Today's Operations
According to aviation analytics company Cirium, Isle of Man Airport is set to handle 9,327 flights this year, providing 987,928 seats and 162,388,650 available seat miles (ASMs). The primary airlines operating at IOM include Loganair (5,206 flights) and easyJet (3,184 flights), with additional services from Aer Lingus, Blue Islands, Smartwings, Air Alsie, and TUIfly Netherlands.
Most flights connect the Isle of Man with destinations in the UK and other parts of the British Isles, such as Dublin and Jersey. Key routes include Liverpool, London Gatwick, and Manchester, each handling over 100,000 passengers in 2023. Occasionally, foreign charters also serve the airport, with destinations including Sonderborg, Denmark, Rotterdam, and Tenerife.
Why a Narrow Gauge Steam Railway?
The unique rail connection at Isle of Man Airport is not a modern innovation but a continuation of the island's long-standing rail infrastructure. The Isle of Man Railway operates a 15.3-mile (24.6 km) narrow gauge line between Douglas and Port Erin, a remnant of a once larger network that spanned 46 miles (74 km). The tracks are 91.4 cm (36 inches) apart, significantly narrower than the UK standard gauge of 143.5 cm (56.5 inches).
One of the stops on this line is Ronaldsway Halt, situated just 600 meters from the airport terminal, a short seven-minute walk. This station, opened in 1967 to provide an alternative to taxis and buses, operates as a request stop. Passengers need to notify the train guard if they wish to alight there, or signal the driver when boarding.
Back in Use After a Pandemic-Induced Hiatus
The steam railway connection faced a temporary suspension during the coronavirus pandemic in 2021 but resumed operation at the start of the 2022 season. Today, it remains a popular choice, with the novelty of businessmen commuting by steam train being a unique and endearing feature, possibly the only one of its kind in the world.
In Conclusion
The Isle of Man Airport's connection via a narrow gauge steam railway offers a charming and historic way to travel, blending convenience with a touch of nostalgia. This unique transport option not only adds to the island's allure but also provides an enjoyable experience for passengers, making their journey to and from the airport truly memorable.