The first steps have been taken towards reopening an abandoned airport in Kent.

Manston airport, near Ramsgate, has been closed since its last scheduled flight left for Amsterdam in 2014.

Now, a public consultation is set to launch as “the next step in the process to reopen the airport as an air freight hub”.

Investment firm RiverOak Strategic Partners (RSP) announced plans to launch the consultation after purchasing the site seven years ago.

RSP plans to reopen the airport as a dedicated airfreight hub by 2029.

A Development Consent Order (DCO) to approve reopening the airport was granted to the site in 2020.

According to RSP: “Once reopened, Manston will help the UK trade across the globe, importing vital and time-sensitive goods, including fresh fruit and medical supplies, providing air freight operators with a realistic alternative to the overcrowded London airports.”

RSP said proposed changes to flight paths and airspace structure will be presented to residents, communities and wider stakeholders.

The consultation will run from 16 March to 22 June, with community events detailing the proposed flight paths and airport usage.

Tony Freudmann, director at RiverOak Strategic Partners, said: “This consultation is an important step in our ambitions to reopen Manston airport, representing 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.

“We know Manston holds a special place in the area’s history, we would encourage people to find out more about our proposal and provide any feedback they might have to help shape our plans.”

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