Airport operator Infratil bought Manston for �17m in August

Charter operator Kent Escapes will use the Manston site to run weekly passenger flights to Spain and Portugal from summer 2006.

It follows the collapse of budget airline EUjet last July.

Airport operator Infratil, which took over Manston after it went into administration last year, said it was in negotiations with other airlines.

Kent Escapes flights will serve Faro in Portugal and Barcelona in Spain, every Thursday from 25 May until 26 October.

'Other airlines invited'

Phill Vann, general manager of Kent International Airport, said it was "the first stepping stone of many to come".

He said: "We are in negotiations with other airlines, inviting them to talk to us about their relationship with the airport."

It is a great boost to see passenger services returning Councillor Bob Bayford, Thanet District Council

Richard Burke, managing director of the Seguro Travel Group which owns Kent Escapes, said their "affordable holidays from a local airport" would bring benefits for the surrounding area.

"Obviously we are starting with two destinations but this is just the beginning," said Mr Burke.

"We hope it can become as strong as our operation at Glasgow Prestwick Airport, where we fly 70,000 holidaymakers to seven different destinations every year."

Councillor Bob Bayford, deputy leader of Thanet District Council, said: "It is a great boost to see passenger services returning to the area in time for this summer."

Kent International Airport will also have charter services to Italy over the summer, provided by Newmarket Holidays.