easyJet discussions

Summary

A request was made for correspondence regarding discussions between the Department of Infrastructure, DfE, and easyJet about the future of the Isle of Man Airport. The Department refused to disclose the information, citing exemptions related to the prejudice of Council of Ministers' deliberations and suggesting the requester contact the airline directly.

Key Facts

• The request was received on 2025-12-16 and the outcome was issued on 2026-01-08.
• The Department of Infrastructure determined that all requested information was held but exempt.
• The authority suggested the requester contact easyJet directly as they may hold relevant information.
• Links to Tynwald documents were provided as potentially accessible information under Section 20.
• The public interest test concluded that protecting the integrity of Council of Ministers' decision-making outweighed the interest in disclosure.

Data Disclosed

• 2025-12-16
• 2026-01-08
• 5169080
• Section 20
• Section 15
• Section 35
• 2015

Exemptions Cited

• Section 20: Information already reasonably accessible
• Section 15: Information held by a third party (easyJet)
• Section 35: Prejudice to the work of the Council of Ministers (qualified exemption)

Original Request

What discussions have taken place with DoI and DfE regarding the relationship of the IOM Airport and easyJet and its future. I wish to have all correspondence between the above parties regarding the reliability of the airport and how it benefits the airline, and whether concerns have been raised about easyJet pulling out of the Isle of Man.

Data Tables (1)

Full Response Text

Department of Infrastructure Sea Terminal Building, Douglas, Isle of Man, IM1 2RF

Contact: FOI Response Team Telephone: (01624) 686785 Email: dpo-doi@gov.im

Our ref: 5169080 7 January 2026

Dear ###

We write further to your request, received 16 December 2025, which states:

"What discussions have taken place with DoI and DfE regarding the relationship of the IOM Airport and easyJet and its future.

I wish to have all correspondence between the above parties regarding the reliability of the airport and how it benefits the airline, and whether concerns have been raised about easyJet pulling out of the Isle of Man."

While our aim is to provide information whenever possible, under section 20 of the Act, we are not required to provide information in response to a request if it is already reasonably accessible to you, whether free of charge or on payment of a fee.
Some of the information that you have requested you may find the information you are looking for here: https://www.tynwald.org.im/index.php/spfile?file=/business/opqp/opqp/2025-PP- 0018.pdf

https://tynwald.org.im/spfile?file=/business/hansard/20202040/t250218.pdf

Pursuant to section 15 of the Freedom of Information Act, the Department advises that easyJet may hold relevant information and suggests that you contact the airline directly.

While our aim is to provide information whenever possible, in this instance the information is exempt under section 35 of the Act, as disclosure would be likely to prejudice the work of the Council of Ministers, inhibit the free and frank provision of advice or the free and frank exchange of views for the purposes of deliberation and to otherwise prejudice the effective conduct of public business. • Inhibit free and frank discussion between Ministers and senior officials in future Council of Ministers business, as participants would be less willing to record candid views, challenge proposals, or explore options fully if such discussions were routinely disclosed.

• Undermine the principle of collective responsibility, which relies on Ministers being able to debate issues privately before reaching and presenting a settled, collective position.
• Prejudice effective decision-making, by discouraging the robust exchange of advice and analysis necessary for sound governance.
• Damage the safe space required for Cabinet-level deliberation, which is essential for the orderly and effective conduct of public affairs. As section 35 is a qualified exemption, it is subject to a public interest test. The public interest must be something that is of serious concern and benefit to the public at large.

Factors in favour of disclosure • There is a general public interest in transparency and accountability in government decision-making.

• Disclosure can promote public understanding of how and why decisions are taken.

• Openness can increase public confidence in government.

Factors in favour of withholding • There is a strong public interest in protecting the integrity of Council of Ministers' decision-making, ensuring Ministers and officials can discuss matters openly and honestly.

• Disclosure would undermine collective responsibility, which is a cornerstone of effective democratic governance.

• Releasing internal deliberations would be likely to reduce the quality of future advice and discussion, to the detriment of good decision-making.

• The public interest is better served by ensuring that decisions are well-informed and robust, rather than by exposing incomplete, exploratory or provisional discussions.

• Where decisions have been made, the outcomes and reasons can be explained publicly without disclosing sensitive internal deliberations.

In taking these factors into account the Department of Infrastructure determined that the factors in favour of maintaining the exemption outweigh the factors in favour of disclosing the information.

Please quote the reference number 5169080 in any future communications.

Your right to request a review

If you are unhappy with this response to your freedom of information request, you may ask us to carry out an internal review of the response, by completing a complaint form and submitting it electronically or by delivery/post.

An electronic version of our complaint form can be found by going to our website at https://services.gov.im/freedom-of-information/Review . If you would like a paper version of our complaint form to be sent to you by post, please contact me and I will be happy to arrange for this. Your review request should explain why you are dissatisfied with this response, and should be made as soon as practicable. We will respond as soon as the review has been concluded.

If you are not satisfied with the result of the review, you then have the right to appeal to the Information Commissioner for a decision on; 1. Whether we have responded to your request for information in accordance with Part 2 of the Freedom of Information Act 2015; or 2. Whether we are justified in refusing to give you the information requested.
In response to an application for review, the Information Commissioner may, at any time, attempt to resolve a matter by negotiation, conciliation, mediation or another form of alternative dispute resolution and will have regard to any outcome of this in making any subsequent decision. More detailed information on your right to a review can be found on the Information Commissioner’s website at www.inforights.im. Should you have any queries concerning this letter, please do not hesitate to contact me. Further information about freedom of information requests can be found at www.gov.im/foi.

I will now close your request as of this date.