Issue with cold weather at the airport
| Authority | Department of Infrastructure |
|---|---|
| Date received | 2026-01-05 |
| Outcome | Some information sent but part exempt |
| Outcome date | 2026-02-03 |
| Case ID | 5205213 |
Summary
The requester asked for details on chemicals used for runway de-icing at Isle of Man Airport and any policy changes regarding winter operations. The Department of Infrastructure responded by providing the 'Winter Operations Manual' (Version 4.2) but withheld some information under exemptions.
Key Facts
- The Department of Infrastructure released the Isle of Man Airport Winter Operations Manual.
- The manual provided is version 4.2, dated November 2025.
- The response included 31 pages across 2 documents.
- The outcome was classified as 'Some information sent but part exempt'.
- The manual covers procedures for runway surfaces, contamination assessment, and winter operations committees.
Data Disclosed
- 2026-01-05
- 2026-02-03
- 31
- 2
- V4.2
- Nov 2025
- IOMA/AOPs/003
Original Request
What specific chemicals are used on the runway at the airport, in anticipation of the weather bringing freezing conditions which would hamper, delay or cancel flights on and off the island? What specific chemicals are used on the runway at the airport, following freezing conditions, which would hamper, delay or cancel flights, on and off the Island? Has there been a policy / procedure change, relating to treating frozen runways at Ronaldsway. If so when was the change made and what were the differences. If there is a policy procedure document relating to frozen IOM runways? If so can I have a copy, or can you send me the link.
Data Tables (3)
| AD | Airport Director |
|---|---|
| ADC | Aerodrome Duty Controller |
| AIS | Aeronautical Information Service |
| AIMS | Airport Information Management System |
| AFS | Airport Fire Service |
| AOD | Airport Operations Director |
| AOS | Airfield Operations Supervisor |
| ASDM | Airport Service Delivery Manager |
| ATC | Air Traffic Control |
| ATIS | Automated Terminal Information Service |
| ATSA | Air Traffic Services Assistant |
| CAA | Civil Aviation Authority (UK) / Civil Aviation Administration (IOM) |
| CAP | Civil Aviation Publication |
| EASA | European Aviation Safety Agency |
| EGNS | ICAO Airfield Code for IOM Airport |
| GRF | Global Reporting Format |
| HoAFS | Head of Airport Fire Service |
| HoAO | Head of Airfield Operations |
| HoATS | Head of Air Traffic Services |
| HoPO | Head of Passenger Operations |
| ICAO | International Civil Aviation Organisation |
| IATA | International Air Transport Association |
| IOM | IATA Code for Isle of Man Airport |
| LAF | Local Area Forecast (locally used term referring to TAF) |
| MA | Menzies Aviation (Ground Handling Agent) |
| METAR | Aviation Routine Weather Report |
| Mm | Millimetres |
| MO | Meteorological Office (Ronaldsway) |
| MT | Motor Transport (Fleet Services) |
| NOTAM | Notice to Aviation |
| NR | Non-Reportable |
| OPMET | Operational Meteorological |
| OPNOT | Operational Notice |
| RCAM | Runway Condition Assessment Matrix |
|---|---|
| RCR | Runway Condition Report |
| RTF | Radio Telephony |
| RTHP | Runway Taxiway Holding Point |
| RWYCC | Runway Condition Code |
| RVP | Emergency Rendezvous Point |
| SNOCLO | Aerodrome closed due to snow |
| SNOWTAM | Snow Notice to Aviation |
| SOP | Standard Operating Procedure/s |
| TAF | Terminal Aerodrome Forecast (see also LAF) |
| VHF | Very High Frequency |
| GALE | Mean ≥ 34KT and/or Gusts ≥43KT |
|---|---|
| STRONG WIND | Mean ≥ 25KT and/or Gusts ≥37KT |
| FROST/ICE | Frost/ice patches likely to cause deposits on aircraft/taxiways/runways |
| SNOW/HAIL/FREEZING PRECIPITATION | Any type - include probable occurrence, extent, depth of accumulation |
| FOG/ LOW CLOUD | Visibility < 1500m Cloud base ≤200FT |
| THUNDERSTORM | Risk 1 within IOM Control Zone |
| SQUALL/ FUNNEL CLOUD/WATERSPOUT | Probable occurrence within IOM Control Zone |
| WIND SHEAR | Expected below 3000FT (i.e. – Rotors) |
| TEMPERATURE INVERSION | Inversion of approx 10°C below 1000FT |
Full Response Text
UNCONTROLLED WHEN PRINTED Isle of Man Airport – Winter Operations Manual
IOMA/AOPs/003
V4.2 Nov 2025
Page 4 of 29
Table of Contents
Publication Authorisation ............................................................................................................................... 2
Document Issue .............................................................................................................................................. 2
Distribution List .............................................................................................................................................. 2
Revision History ............................................................................................................................................. 3
Explanatory Note of Amendments ................................................................................................................. 3
Table of Contents ........................................................................................................................................... 4
Glossary .......................................................................................................................................................... 6
Executive Summary ........................................................................................................................................ 8
1.0
Introduction ....................................................................................................................................... 8
2.0
Procedures and Objectives ................................................................................................................ 8
2.1
Runway Surfaces ........................................................................................................................... 9
3.0
Global Reporting Format (GRF) ......................................................................................................... 9
3.1
Usage ............................................................................................................................................. 9
3.2
Definition of contaminated runway ............................................................................................ 10
3.3
Procedure .................................................................................................................................... 10
3.4
Scenarios for reporting the lateral extent of contaminants: ...................................................... 10
3.5
Reporting and recording of findings ........................................................................................... 11
3.6
Assessment process summary: ................................................................................................... 11
3.7
Reassessment of RCR .................................................................................................................. 11
4.0
Surface Contamination .................................................................................................................... 12
4.1
Runway Condition Assessment Matrix (RCAM) .......................................................................... 13
4.2
IOMA Runway Thirds................................................................................................................... 14
5.0
Paved Surfaces................................................................................................................................. 15
5.1
Runways ...................................................................................................................................... 15
5.2
Taxiways ...................................................................................................................................... 15
5.3
Pavements General ..................................................................................................................... 15
5.4
Aprons and Airside Roads ........................................................................................................... 15
5.5
Passenger Walkways ................................................................................................................... 16
6.0
Winter Operations Committee ........................................................................................................ 16
6.1
Winter Operations Committee Members ................................................................................... 16
7.0
Implementation ............................................................................................................................... 17
7.1
Serviceability of Equipment ........................................................................................................ 17
7.2
Training ....................................................................................................................................... 17
7.3
Personnel .................................................................................................................................... 17
UNCONTROLLED WHEN PRINTED
Isle of Man Airport – Winter Operations Manual
IOMA/AOPs/003
V4.2 Nov 2025
Page 5 of 29
8.0
Responsibilities ................................................................................................................................ 17
9.0
Response Initiation and Notification ............................................................................................... 19
9.1
Weather Forecasts and Warnings ............................................................................................... 19
9.2
Dissemination of Airport Weather Warnings.............................................................................. 19
9.3
Local Readiness Procedures ........................................................................................................ 19
9.4
Strong Wind and Gale Plan ......................................................................................................... 19
9.5
Adverse Weather and Potential Disruption Notifications .......................................................... 20
10.0
Snow Closure Policy (SNOCLO) ........................................................................................................ 20
10.1
Initiation ...................................................................................................................................... 20
10.2
Light Snowfall .............................................................................................................................. 21
10.3
Prolonged or Heavy Snowfall ...................................................................................................... 21
10.4
Runway/Taxiway Possession ....................................................................................................... 21
11.0
Snow Clearance Priorities ................................................................................................................ 21
11.1
Manoeuvring Area Clearance Priorities ...................................................................................... 21
11.2
Apron Clearance Principles ......................................................................................................... 21
11.2.1
General Principles ................................................................................................................... 21
11.2.2
Persistent or Heavy Snowfall .................................................................................................. 22
11.2.3
Storage of Snow on Grassland Areas ...................................................................................... 22
11.3
Apron Clearance Priorities .......................................................................................................... 22
11.3.1
Main Apron ............................................................................................................................. 22
11.3.2
Other Aprons (Areas Hotel/Mike/Victor/Whisky) .................................................................. 22
11.4
Disposal of Standing Water ......................................................................................................... 22
12.0
Clearance of Landside Snow ............................................................................................................ 23
13.0
Frost and Ice Control ....................................................................................................................... 23
13.1
General Guidance ........................................................................................................................ 23
13.2
Stand / Walkway De-icing Granules (“Self Help”) ....................................................................... 23
13.3
Airfield Anti-Icing Strategy .......................................................................................................... 23
13.4
Holdover Considerations ............................................................................................................. 23
13.5
General Considerations ............................................................................................................... 24
Appendix A – Snow Bank Profiles ................................................................................................................. 25
Appendix B – Airfield Clearance Priorities .................................................................................................... 26
Appendix C – Regulatory References ........................................................................................................... 27
Appendix D – Aerodrome Snow Equipment ................................................................................................. 28
UNCONTROLLED WHEN PRINTED Isle of Man Airport – Winter Operations Manual
IOMA/AOPs/003
V4.2 Nov 2025
Page 6 of 29
Glossary
AD
Airport Director
ADC
Aerodrome Duty Controller
AIS
Aeronautical Information Service
AIMS
Airport Information Management System
AFS
Airport Fire Service
AOD
Airport Operations Director
AOS
Airfield Operations Supervisor
ASDM
Airport Service Delivery Manager
ATC
Air Traffic Control
ATIS
Automated Terminal Information Service
ATSA
Air Traffic Services Assistant
CAA
Civil Aviation Authority (UK) / Civil Aviation Administration (IOM)
CAP
Civil Aviation Publication
EASA
European Aviation Safety Agency
EGNS
ICAO Airfield Code for IOM Airport
GRF
Global Reporting Format
HoAFS
Head of Airport Fire Service
HoAO
Head of Airfield Operations
HoATS
Head of Air Traffic Services
HoPO
Head of Passenger Operations
ICAO
International Civil Aviation Organisation
IATA
International Air Transport Association
IOM
IATA Code for Isle of Man Airport
LAF
Local Area Forecast (locally used term referring to TAF)
MA
Menzies Aviation (Ground Handling Agent)
METAR
Aviation Routine Weather Report
Mm
Millimetres
MO
Meteorological Office (Ronaldsway)
MT
Motor Transport (Fleet Services)
NOTAM
Notice to Aviation
NR
Non-Reportable
OPMET
Operational Meteorological
OPNOT
Operational Notice
UNCONTROLLED WHEN PRINTED
Isle of Man Airport – Winter Operations Manual
IOMA/AOPs/003
V4.2 Nov 2025
Page 7 of 29
RCAM
Runway Condition Assessment Matrix
RCR
Runway Condition Report
RTF
Radio Telephony
RTHP
Runway Taxiway Holding Point
RWYCC
Runway Condition Code
RVP
Emergency Rendezvous Point
SNOCLO
Aerodrome closed due to snow
SNOWTAM
Snow Notice to Aviation
SOP
Standard Operating Procedure/s
TAF
Terminal Aerodrome Forecast (see also LAF)
VHF
Very High Frequency
UNCONTROLLED WHEN PRINTED
Isle of Man Airport – Winter Operations Manual
IOMA/AOPs/003
V4.2 Nov 2025
Page 8 of 29
Executive Summary
1.0 Introduction
Winter conditions on the airfield introduce potential hazards to aircraft operations and turnaround activities on the apron. Snowfall can impose significant restrictions on the availability of airfield capacity (to include parking stands), and can be expected to lead to disruption of normal flight operations. In prolonged or severe snowfall, disruption can last for a number of days.
Whilst Isle of Man Airport (IOMA) makes every reasonable effort to clear snow and ice from airside areas, it can be and often is a lengthy process, especially when persistent heavy snowfall exists. It is therefore essential that all airside users are constantly aware that snow and ice may be present and take extra precautions accordingly (in accordance with normal Aerodrome SOPs). Additional Operational Notices (OPNOTs) may from time to time be issued in relation to additional winter operations measures. It is the responsibility of operational managers to ensure that these OPNOTs are made available to all employees working or driving in external airside areas.
This plan concentrates on the planning, organisation and response to winter conditions and the general execution of the clearance of snow accumulations on the airfield. The treatment of frost or ice conditions on the airfield requires a less extensive response. The procedures relating to such events is contained in section 13.0 Frost and Ice Control in this plan.
2.0 Procedures and Objectives
The primary procedures and objectives during periods of snowfall or ice conditions are detailed below. The clearance of snow and ice will be undertaken as follows (in order of strategic priority):
- Runway/s
- Primary Taxiway Routings
- Aircraft Parking Stands
- Secondary Taxiway Routings
- Ancillary Areas
The order of the above may be altered to meet operational priorities. The decision to alter the
order of priority will be made by the Head of Airfield Operations or nominated person.
This Winter Operations Manual details the measures taken by Isle of Man Airport to enable aircraft
operations to continue safely during snow and ice conditions. The plan focuses primarily on the
management of aerodrome facilities. This document is published in accordance with the
requirements of EASA Organisation and Operations Requirements for Aerodromes.
UNCONTROLLED WHEN PRINTED
Isle of Man Airport – Winter Operations Manual
IOMA/AOPs/003
V4.2 Nov 2025
Page 9 of 29
2.1
Runway Surfaces
At Isle of Man Airport the runways will only be returned to operational status (service), once the
removal of ice contamination has taken place and the surface has been treated with anti-icing
media. Deposits of snow or slush will be notified to aircraft operators by the means of GRF
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