Regular flights to the island from an airport in Yorkshire began yesterday.
LinksAir launched the first ever Isle of Man service to Robin Hood Doncaster-Sheffield Airport.
The airline flies three times a week, operating on a Monday, Friday and Sunday, leaving Ronaldsway at 11.55am on a Monday and at 3.40pm on a Friday and Sunday.
Return services leave Doncaster-Sheffield at 10.30am on a Monday and at 2.05pm on a Friday and Sunday.
TT racer Michael Moulai, who has had six top 15 finishes in the event, was on the first flight to the Isle of Man, along with South Yorkshire journalist and TT writer Rachael Clegg. Rachael’s grandfather Tom and father Noel both raced in the TT.
LinksAir commercial manager Roger Hage said: ‘We are delighted at LinksAir to have commenced the first-ever services from the Isle of Man to Robin Hood Doncaster-Sheffield Airport, which given the tremendous support of all so far and higher than anticipated early bookings, has already allowed us to add extra flights especially for the TT-race fans.
‘The Isle of Man is a vibrant leisure destination but this service also importantly allows the only direct access from the Isle to the UK’s fifth largest city region in Sheffield and surrounding South Yorkshire, North Nottinghamshire, Lincolnshire and Humber regions.’
Ann Reynolds, director of ports for the Isle of Man, said: ‘This is very welcome news for those looking to have a weekend break in the Isle of Man or Yorkshire, or those looking to develop business opportunities between the two regions.’
Steve Gill, managing director of Robin Hood Doncaster-Sheffield airport, said: ‘This is fantastic news for the airport and for Yorkshire passengers.
‘This new route is a great addition to our offering as our new three-time weekly service to the popular Isle of Man is Yorkshire’s only link to the island, famous for its world famous TT motorcycle race event and its rugged coastline and sandy beaches. It is also a convenient link for the financial services sector.’
Fares on the short 55-minute flight start from £64 one-way, which includes all government taxes and airport charges, a hold-bag up to 15kg, lounge access at the Isle of Man on some fare types and fast-track security access at Doncaster.
Additional flights to the island have already been added for May 29 and 31 to help accommodate the extra capacity expected for the TT. The airline says more are being planned.
The last air link to Yorkshire from Ronaldsway was operated by Manx2, which flew to Leeds Bradford Airport. The service was dropped in January last year.
Last week the Manx Independent reported that there were plans {http://www.iomtoday.co.im/news/isle-of-man-news/manx2-pulls-out-of-leeds-and-oxford-1-5127996|for a new air link to Chester.}