Overview

• Refurbishment began after 2023 approval and survey work alongside public consultations will continue through early 2026 to finalise the airport master plan.
• RiverOak Strategic Partners intends to start operations with five daily cargo flights before rolling out short-haul passenger services.
• The £500 million project has secured £800 million from international investors and requires no government funding.
• Once fully operational, the redevelopment is expected to create 650 construction roles and 2,000 permanent jobs in Kent.
• Local campaigners including Don't Save Manston Airport have raised environmental and noise concerns over the airport’s revival.