Third consultation starts for Manston Airport plan

The third stage of consultation over plans to reopen a Kent airport as an air freight hub is due to start.

Manston Airport, near Ramsgate, has been closed since 2014, with plans to bring it back into operation by US firm RiverOak Strategic Partners Limited (RSP).

The company bought the site in 2019, a Development Consent Order to approve the reopening of the airport was granted in 2020, and an updated version approved in 2022.

Tony Freudmann, director at RSP, said: "This consultation is an important step in our ambitions to reopen Manston Airport."

He called the company's plans to deliver new runway capacity to support the UK air cargo market and improve the economy of east Kent a "once in a generation opportunity".

"We know Manston holds a special place in the area's history, we would encourage people to find out more about our proposal and help shape our plans," he added.

The consultation, focused on proposed flight paths and airspace design, is due to begin on Monday and end on 22 June 2026.

Manston Airport was a former Royal Air Force Station dating back to World War One.

Its closure in May 2014 resulted in 150 job losses. It has been used as a lorry park in recent years.

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