Public Consultation Opens for Manston Revival
Manston Airport in Kent, closed since 2014, is moving a step closer toward reopening, with cargo flights now targeted to begin in 2029.
The former RAF airfield, located between Ramsgate and Herne Bay, was purchased by RiverOak Strategic Partners (RSP) three years ago. The company plans to invest around £750 million into restoring the site, although its original goal of reopening by 2025 has been delayed.
RSP says rising construction costs and difficult financial conditions have pushed the timeline back by four years. The project has now entered the third stage of the planning process, with a new public consultation underway.
Residents living near the runway are being invited to review proposed flight paths and noise impact information. Consultation documents were released on March 16, and feedback can be submitted until June 22, 2026.
Public reaction online has been largely supportive, with some local residents welcoming the possibility of having an airport nearby once again, particularly for easier regional travel.
Tony Freudmann, a director at RSP, described the consultation as a major milestone for the project. He said reopening Manston presents a significant opportunity to expand UK air cargo capacity and bring economic benefits to East Kent. He also encouraged local people to review the plans and share their views.
The airport’s initial reopening phase is intended solely for cargo operations. Once fully operational, Manston is expected to handle up to one million tonnes of freight annually.
Passenger services are not currently part of the immediate plan, although RSP has suggested they could be considered in the future. No airlines have formally committed to operating from Manston, but the company believes regional airports may appeal to carriers such as Jet2 and TUI.
Manston previously served as a regional passenger airport from the 1960s, with airlines including KLM, EUjet, Flybe and Monarch offering flights to destinations across Europe. Its final scheduled service departed for Amsterdam on April 9, 2014.
