Manston Airport Advances Toward Reopening as Freight Hub After 12-Year Hiatus
Manston Airport, which has been dormant since its closure in 2014, is taking significant steps toward reopening as an air freight hub. The airport, previously known as Kent International Airport and briefly as London Manston Airport, once offered flights to destinations including Manchester, Belfast, Edinburgh, Madeira, Italy, and Portugal. Airlines such as Flybe and KLM operated from the site, providing services across the UK, Ireland, and Europe.
From Passenger Hub to Lorry Park
After Flybe withdrew its services in 2012, Manston Airport was put on the market, with its last scheduled flight departing on April 9, 2014. It officially shut down on May 15, 2014. In the years since, the site has primarily served as a lorry park to alleviate port congestion, particularly due to Brexit-related issues. Despite numerous attempts to revive the airport, it has remained inactive for over a decade.
New Plans and Public Consultation
RiverOak Strategic Partners (RSP), which acquired the airport several years ago, is now leading efforts to restore operations. The company has announced a Stage 3 airspace consultation, set to run from Monday, March 16, to Monday, June 22, 2026. This public consultation phase will present proposed changes to flight paths and airspace structure to residents, communities, and stakeholders.
A statement from RSP read: "RiverOak Strategic Partners Limited is pleased to announce Manston Airport is launching its Stage 3 airspace consultation, as part of the next step in the process to reopen the airport as an air freight hub." The consultation will include in-person and online events in April, providing details on proposed flight paths and airport usage.
Future Prospects and Timeline
Initially, the airport is expected to operate exclusively as a cargo facility, with potential for passenger services in the future. Discussions have taken place with carriers like easyJet and Ryanair, but these have not yet materialized. The Civil Aviation Authority's Citizen Space consultation portal will release updated information on March 16, including maps and flight path details.
For residents in areas such as Ramsgate and Herne Bay, the consultation offers a first look at how aircraft noise and visibility might impact their communities if the 800-acre site is revived. However, even if plans proceed, Manston Airport is unlikely to become operational soon. With a Development Consent Order granted in 2020 and updated in 2022, the target for the first take-off is currently set for 2029.
This development marks a pivotal moment for the airport, which has faced years of uncertainty and legal disputes. As the public consultation unfolds, local input will play a crucial role in shaping the future of this long-abandoned transport hub.
