Abandoned UK airport takes next step to finally reopen after 12 years

Abandoned UK airport takes next step to finally reopen after 12 yearsThe last flight from the airport took off 12 years ago. Share Article Share Article Facebook X LinkedIn Reddit Bluesky Email Copy Link Link copied Bookmark Add us as preferred source Comments By Isobel Pankhurst, Audience Writer, Spare Time 12:16, Sun, May 31, 2026 Updated: 12:20, Sun, May 31, 2026 Abandoned airport takes next step to finally reopen (Image: Getty)The abandoned Manston Airport in Kent could reopen in 2029 if new plans go ahead. The airport, which has been closed since 2014, is set to reopen as a cargo airport by the end of the decade. window.scriptsToLoad.push({url:'https://live.primis.tech/live/liveView.php?s=118222&vp_content=plembed3a6btjknzwqh&cbuster=%%CACHEBUSTER%%&playerApiId=v118222',triggeredBy:'tcfLoaded',delay:1500,containerId:'ovp-primis',title:"Primis player",beforeLoad:()=>{window.top.addEventListener('primisPlayerInit',e=>{try{if(e.detail&&e.detail.playerApiId==="v118222"){if(window.document.getElementsByClassName('jwplayer')[0]){e.detail.float('disable')}}}catch(e){}})},}) Briefly used as a lorry park during the coronavirus lockdown, the airport has otherwise remained unused for the last 12 years. Since 2019 an investment firm has been trying to get the place running once more. RiverOak Strategic Partners (RSP) purchased the airport for £16.5 million back in 2019, and it was originally planned to reopen by 2025, however, this was pushed back due to mounting costs. Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT Get the latest news from around the world and more Subscribe Invalid emailWe use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our Privacy Policy READ MORE: Huge airport that handled 24m passengers a year closed forever READ MORE: World’s ‘emptiest airport’ cost £155m but has no regular flights As...