Saturday, June 28, 2025
Once abandoned and largely forgotten, Manston Airport in Kent is poised for a dramatic comeback. The airport, closed for passenger services in 2014, is undergoing a £500 million refurbishment to transform it into a bustling travel hub once again. Set to reopen in 2028, the revamped airport will initially focus on cargo operations but plans to bring budget flights from Ryanair and easyJet to popular European destinations. For the first time in over a decade, travelers in Kent could soon have access to affordable flights to places like Amsterdam, Spain, and Cyprus.
A New Beginning for Manston Airport
Manston Airport’s return to the aviation scene is an exciting development for the region. The airport, which first opened in 1918 and served as an RAF base during the World Wars, has a rich history. Despite its strategic location and infrastructure, it ceased passenger services in 2014, leaving the airport abandoned and largely forgotten. Over the past several years, it has primarily been used as a lorry park.
Now, with a £500 million investment and a massive renovation, Manston Airport is preparing to revive itself as a modern hub. While the airport will first focus on cargo operations, the grand vision includes adding budget passenger services. The addition of major airlines like Ryanair, easyJet, and Wizz Air could make the airport a key player in the region’s travel market once again.
Why Manston?
The decision to revive Manston Airport is not just about restoring an abandoned site, but about tapping into the growing demand for affordable travel options in the region. With neighboring airports like Luton and Stansted seeing high demand, Manston could provide much-needed capacity, especially for low-cost carriers flying short-haul routes.
The location, just 14 miles from Canterbury, makes it an appealing option for both business travelers and tourists, offering direct access to popular destinations in Europe. The airport’s existing runway, at 2,748 meters (9,016 feet) long and 60 meters wide, is perfectly suited for long-haul and short-haul flights, including planes from budget carriers.
The Potential for Low-Cost Airlines
One of the key plans for Manston’s revival is to attract low-cost airlines, with Ryanair being one of the main contenders. Tony Freudmann, board director at RiverOak Strategic Partners, the company behind the redevelopment, explained that the key to success will be attracting multiple aircraft for more daily rotations. The plan is to base three to four planes at Manston, which would allow for daily flights to popular destinations in Europe.
Manston’s potential routes include the Netherlands, Spain, Cyprus, and Malta, with Ryanair and easyJet likely to lead the charge. Freudmann noted that KLM, which previously operated flights from Manston to Amsterdam, could also return, strengthening the connectivity between Kent and Europe.
Community Reaction and Environmental Concerns
While the revival of Manston Airport has been met with excitement, not everyone is on board. Environmental groups, such as Don’t Save Manston Airport, have raised concerns about the impact of increased aviation capacity on the local environment. Critics argue that expanding aviation capacity could exacerbate emissions and contribute to climate change.
The airport’s impact on the environment will be a key focus in the coming years as the local authorities and developers address concerns around sustainability. Some local communities have also voiced worries about noise pollution and the impact of increased traffic in the region. These challenges will need to be balanced with the benefits the airport could bring in terms of economic growth and job creation.
A Promising Future for the Region
Despite these challenges, the plans for Manston Airport are full of promise. Tony Freudmann believes that the airport will be a major asset for the local economy, with jobs created not only in aviation but also in tourism, hospitality, and retail sectors. The addition of budget airlines will make it easier for UK-based travelers to access destinations across Europe, potentially boosting local tourism in Kent and surrounding areas.
Furthermore, the focus on cargo operations means the airport can start generating income while passenger services are gradually rolled out. This mixed-use approach could provide a more stable foundation for Manston Airport‘s long-term success.
Looking Ahead: The Road to 2028
As Manston Airport works towards its official reopening in 2028, a lot of preparation and planning will need to take place. From completing the terminal upgrades to securing airline partnerships, much work remains to be done. However, with growing support from local stakeholders and the promise of a more affordable and accessible travel option for residents of Kent, Manston is poised to reclaim its place on the map as a modern, bustling airport.
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