Refurbishment, Budget Flights, and a Controversial Future

Manston Airport in Kent, dormant for a decade, is set to reopen, potentially offering budget flights to European destinations. The former Royal Air Force base, known for its significant role in both World Wars, is undergoing a major refurbishment, with a planned reopening in 2028. The initial focus will be on cargo operations, but passenger services are also planned.

Tony Freudmann, a director at RiverOak Strategic Partners, the controlling company, expressed optimism about reintroducing passenger services. The refurbishment is estimated to cost £500 million, including new terminals and runway upgrades. The airport features a single runway, 2,748 meters long and 60 meters wide, designed to accommodate emergency landings for Concorde and the Space Shuttle.

If cargo operations are successful, passenger routes to countries like the Netherlands, Spain, Cyprus, and Malta could be introduced. Discussions with budget airlines like Ryanair, easyJet, and Wizz Air were reported. Mr. Freudmann stated they are confident in attracting low-cost carriers to base planes at Manston, aiming for multiple daily rotations to cover costs and increase passenger traffic. They also plan to reinstate the KLM service to Amsterdam Schiphol.

While there have been no recent updates, the activity at nearby airports like Luton and Stansted suggests a growing demand for passenger flights in the region. RiverOak's website acknowledged the extensive preparation required to launch an aviation hub, even with existing infrastructure. Survey work is scheduled for this year and the next, with the airport master plan expected to conclude in early 2026. A public consultation on potential flight paths is also planned.

The airport, branded Manston, Kent International Airport, is located near the village of Manston in Kent. Since 2015, it has been used as an emergency lorry park. The owners initially proposed reopening the airport for flights in early 2025. During the Second World War, Manston served as a forward base and was heavily bombed. Barnes Wallis used the base to test his bouncing bomb.

The announcement stated that construction is expected to be finished by early 2028, with recruitment for operational roles commencing, leading to detailed preparations for reopening later in 2028. However, the refurbishment plans have faced opposition. Campaigners have cited the site's past failures and potential environmental harm. RiverOak, which acquired the site, intends to start with five daily cargo flights. Despite planning officer concerns, the refurbishment plans were approved in 2023. Manston Airport ceased scheduled flight services in 2014.