Historic Kent Airport Eyes 2029 Comeback with Major Refurbishment
The long-dormant Manston Airport, situated near Margate in Kent, is edging closer to a significant revival, with owners now targeting a 2029 reopening following a substantial £750 million refurbishment project. Originally constructed in 1916 as an RAF base, the century-old terminal served as a commercial airport for decades, ferrying British holidaymakers to European destinations like Italy, Portugal, and Amsterdam before its closure in 2014.
Revised Timeline and Strategic Focus on Cargo Operations
Tony Freudman, representing airport owners RiverOak Strategic Partners (RSP), has confirmed that the anticipated reopening has been delayed by a year, shifting from the initial 2028 target to 2029. This adjustment is attributed to the complexity of planning work, fluctuations in construction costs, and ongoing turbulence within financial markets. Freudman emphasised that while the airport could resume operations as a cargo facility in 2029, the return of passenger flights might take a few additional years to materialise.
In recent years, the site has been repurposed for various uses, including functioning as a car park, hosting aviation events, and even serving as a filming location for the 2022 movie Empire of Light. The £750 million redevelopment initiative is reportedly in its final stages, with RSP engaged in advanced discussions with a European funding partner to secure the necessary capital.
Future Prospects and Economic Impact
Although no airlines have yet committed to operating from Manston, Freudman expressed optimism, noting that carriers such as Jet2 and TUI often favour regional airports like this one for their operations. RSP aims to commence a consultation on proposed airspace changes in March 2026, a critical step towards revitalising the facility.
RSP has articulated a compelling vision for Manston's future, describing it as a once-in-a-generation opportunity to enhance UK air cargo capacity and stimulate economic growth in East Kent. The company remains committed to reopening the airport sustainably and efficiently, acknowledging that delays are sometimes unavoidable in large-scale infrastructure projects. We are realistic about the complexity of delivering a major infrastructure project, RSP stated, underscoring that there are no shortcuts to ensuring a long-term, viable operation.
This ambitious project not only promises to restore a key piece of Kent's aviation heritage but also aims to bolster regional connectivity and support the broader UK logistics and tourism sectors.
