Manston Airport's £750m Revival: Kent's Abandoned Airfield Targets 2029 Reopening
An abandoned airport near London, which has been closed since 2014, is now poised to reopen before the end of the decade following a substantial £750 million redevelopment initiative. Manston Airport, located near Margate in Kent, is currently scheduled to resume operations in 2029, marking a significant revival for the historic site.
Delays and Financial Complexities
The project's timeline has experienced an additional year's delay, attributed to what developers describe as the complexity of planning work, alterations to the cost of the necessary works, and ongoing turbulence within the financial markets. These factors have collectively extended the preparatory phase, necessitating a more extended period to secure appropriate funding and complete due diligence.
Tony Freudmann, representing airport owners RiverOak Strategic Partners (RSP), provided insight into the current status, stating: "RiverOak Strategic Partners expects Manston Airport to be operational in 2029, with consultation on proposed airspace to get underway in March 2026." He further elaborated that following four years of delays caused by two judicial reviews, the revised timetable reflects the intricate nature of the planning work and the evolving financial landscape.
Advanced Funding Discussions
The redevelopment project is reportedly in its final phase, with final discussions underway with a preferred, European-based funding partner. These negotiations are described as being in an advanced stage, indicating that the financial backing required for the £750 million endeavour is nearing finalisation. The current estimated cost stands at three-quarters of a billion pounds, underscoring the scale of the investment needed to transform the dormant facility.
Freudmann emphasised the project's broader significance, noting: "Manston represents a once-in-a-generation opportunity to deliver new runway capacity to support the UK air cargo market and to transform the economic landscape in East Kent." This vision highlights the potential for the airport to become a crucial hub for freight operations, thereby stimulating regional economic growth and creating new employment opportunities.
Historical Context and Recent Uses
Manston Airport boasts a rich history, having begun life as an RAF base constructed in 1916. It later transitioned to functioning as a commercial terminal before ultimately ceasing operations in 2014. In the years since its closure, the site has served various temporary purposes, including acting as overflow parking for the nearby ferry port and featuring as a filming location for the 2022 production Empire of Light.
Notably, during 2020, the airport was repurposed as an emergency holding facility for thousands of lorries. This occurred following disruption triggered by French border closures, demonstrating the site's potential for large-scale logistical operations even in its inactive state.
Commitment to Sustainable Reopening
Despite the eagerness to reopen Manston as soon as possible, RSP remains realistic about the challenges involved. Freudmann acknowledged: "There are no shortcuts to reopening the airport, in a sustainable way, for the long term and delays can unfortunately become a part of the process of getting it right." This statement reflects a commitment to ensuring that the revival is not only timely but also environmentally and economically sustainable, aligning with long-term strategic goals.
The developers continue to work diligently to realise their vision for Manston, recognising the importance of the project to local supporters and the broader community. The planned reopening in 2029, if achieved, will mark the culmination of over a decade of efforts to restore the airport to operational status, potentially heralding a new era for aviation and commerce in East Kent.
