Manston Airport in Kent, which has been closed since 2014, could be back in operation by 2029 if fresh proposals are approved. The site, briefly used as a lorry park during the coronavirus lockdown, has lain dormant for 12 years. RiverOak Strategic Partners (RSP) bought the airport for £16.5 million in 2019, with initial plans for a 2025 reopening delayed due to rising costs.
RSP is now moving forward with business development talks with airlines and freight operators, and the planning process has reached its third phase. From Monday, March 16, to Monday, June 22, the public will be consulted on proposed airspace modifications. Residents, local communities, and broader stakeholders are invited to give their feedback.
Tony Freudmann, Director at RiverOak Strategic Partners, said: 'This consultation is an important step in our ambitions to reopen Manston Airport. It represents a once-in-a-generation opportunity to deliver new runway capacity to support the UK air cargo market and to transform the economic landscape in east Kent.' He added: 'We know Manston holds a special place in the area's history, we would encourage people to find out more about our proposal and provide any feedback.'
The projected cost for the redevelopment has soared from an initial £400 million to £750 million. Once completed, Manston is expected to handle over one million tonnes of freight annually.
