An abandoned airport with one of the UK's longest runways is on track for a £750 million reopening, but it must overcome a significant obstacle related to flight path changes. Manston Airport in Kent, located just 90 minutes from London, has been closed since 2014, though it briefly served as a lorry park during the Covid-19 pandemic. Current owner RiverOak Strategic Partners Ltd (RSP) aims to transform it into an international air freight hub, with commercial flights expected by 2029.
Reopening Plans and Investment
Since 2019, plans to reopen Manston have progressed, requiring an investment between £500 million and £750 million. RSP launched a public consultation in March, with Director Tony Freudmann urging the public to provide feedback. The company hoped to begin construction early next year. However, Ramsgate Town Council announced in May that it would object to proposed changes to flight paths and airspace as part of the Stage 3 consultation.
Legal and Community Challenges
RSP purchased Manston in 2019, and a Development Consent Order (DCO) approving the reopening was confirmed in 2020. This faced legal challenges, but a revised DCO was approved in 2022. Ramsgate Town Council argues that the proposed flight paths would force aircraft to fly over densely populated areas of Ramsgate at low altitudes. The plans indicate the airport could handle up to 14,000 flights annually by 2038—around 38 flights per day—which the council warns could severely impact local residents.
The council highlighted potential health issues from noise exposure, including sleep disruption, increased risk of strokes and heart attacks, reduced quality of life, and possible links to dementia. The applicant's own data estimates noise-related health costs at over £20.8 million over ten years. Additionally, the council raised concerns that the scale of operations would exceed historical levels, with insufficient evidence of confirmed funding or operators. They argued that demand had not been independently verified and that the consultation process was inadequate for such a major proposal, citing a limited number of public engagement sessions.
Council's Stance
Ramsgate Town Council chairperson Cllr Steve Albon stated: "Ramsgate Town Council recognises the importance of this issue to residents and is committed to ensuring that local concerns are clearly and professionally represented. The council will continue to engage with relevant authorities and stakeholders to try to ensure that any decisions relating to Manston Airport fully consider the impact on Ramsgate's community."
The future of Manston Airport hinges on resolving these flight path disputes, balancing economic development with community well-being. The outcome will determine whether the £750 million project can proceed as planned.
