Manston Airport's £500 Million Revival: Flights Set to Return by 2028
A long-abandoned airport in the United Kingdom is on the brink of a dramatic £500 million revival, with plans to resume flights by 2028. RiverOak Strategic Partners Ltd. (RSP) has launched fresh consultations this month to breathe new life into Manston Airport near Ramsgate, Kent, marking a significant step in its transformation from a dormant site used as a lorry park during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Historic Airport's New Chapter
Manston Airport, originally a Royal Air Force station in the First World War and later a United States Air Force base during the Cold War, has a rich aviation history. It was rebranded as Kent International Airport in the late 1980s but closed in May 2014, resulting in 150 job losses. During the pandemic, its runway was repurposed as a lorry park, highlighting its versatile but underutilised state.
RSP, which acquired the site in 2019, has been driving efforts to reopen it as an air freight hub. The company secured a Development Consent Order (DCO) in 2020, with a revised version approved two years later, paving the way for construction to begin early next year. Tony Freudman, director of RSP, described this initiative as a "once in a generation" opportunity that could fundamentally reshape the local economic landscape.
Consultation and Community Impact
Local residents are being invited to voice their opinions on proposed flight paths and airport uses until June 22, as part of the latest consultation round. According to RSP's strategy, the airport anticipates 16 Air Transport Movements (ATMs) per day in its first year of operation, increasing to 77 ATMs daily during the summer period a decade later. By 2038, projections suggest 27 flights per day, with most departing along a route north around Birchington.
However, this revival comes with noise concerns. Research indicates that 26,224 local residents will experience an increase in daily noise a decade into the airport's operational life. Flight paths are expected to result in aircraft flying over Ramsgate, Swalecliffe, and Herne Bay to and from the single runway airport.
Economic and Operational Outlook
The resurrection of Manston Airport is estimated to cost between £500 million and £750 million, with RSP aiming for a 2028 reopening. This investment is seen as a boost to regional connectivity and freight logistics, potentially creating jobs and stimulating economic growth in Kent. The airport's history as a key transport hub, combined with its strategic location, positions it as a vital asset for future aviation needs.
As consultations continue, the fate of Manston Airport hangs in the balance, balancing community feedback with ambitious development plans. If successful, this project could mark a significant turnaround for a site that has lain idle for years, offering new opportunities for air travel and freight in the UK.
