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Daily Mirror
9 hours ago
- Business
- Daily Mirror
Inside abandoned UK airport set to reopen with cheap flights to holiday hotspots
From being bombed in World War Two to ferrying business passengers to Amsterdam, a transport hub which is no longer in use could soon be ready for its next chapter This ghost town of an airport site could soon spring back into life thanks to a £500 million regeneration. If plans come to fruition, holidaymakers would be able to jetaway to European hotspots on low-cost flights for the first time in 12 years. The last scheduled flight left Manston Airport in Kent for Amsterdam on April 9, 2014 and since then its been used as a lorry park. Currently undergoing a major refurbishment, the revived airport is slated to reopen in 2028. The airport can be found in the village of Manston in the Thanet district of Kent, 14 miles north-east from Canterbury by the coast. It was used by the Royal Air Force during the World Wars after it opened in 1918, and was frequently targeted by bombs during World War Two's Battle of Britain. Manston has a single runway that is 2,748 metres, or 9,016 feet, long. Wide at 60 metres, it was designed to handle emergency landings for Concorde and the Space Shuttle. Initially, the revived airport will focus on cargo operations but plans are afoot to introduce passenger services. The multimillion pound revamp will include new terminals and upgraded runways. Tony Freudmann, main board director at controlling airport company RiverOak Strategic Partners, told Kent Online: "Looking at the way the passenger market is going, we are confident we can persuade one or more low-cost carriers to base their planes here. "It does not work for us if they fly in just once a day because that is not economic. If they base three or four planes at Manston, we will have rotations three or four times a day, as they have at Southend. "That will cover our costs and bring passenger footfall through the terminal all day and every day. We will reinstate the twice daily KLM service to Amsterdam Schiphol that we had before and that will give business people in particular access to almost anywhere in the world." Passenger routes to the the Netherlands, Spain, Cyprus and Malta could be introduced, flown by budget airlines including Ryanair, easyJet and Wizz Air. Survey work is underway at the airport site and expected to be concluded in early 2026. A public consultation into possible flight routes will be launched at that time. If plans go ahead, construction work is expected to be completed by early 2028, when recruitment for operational roles would begin. Demand for flights at Luton Airport and Stansted Airport is said to suggest additional additional passenger flights would be popular in the region. "Opening an airport – even one like Manston which already has in place a full-length runway, taxiways and airport buildings – takes a huge amount of preparation and planning first and so it will be many months before we are ready to welcome construction teams on site," a post earlier this year on the RiverOak website reads. Opposition to the proposal to revamp the airport has been loud and coordinated, with groups such as Don't Save Manston Airport noting that the travel hub previously failed commercially and arguing that it will do again. They have argued for increased aviation capacity is bad for the environment.
Wales Online
2 days ago
- Business
- Wales Online
Abandoned UK airport could reopen and offer cheap Ryanair and easyJet flights to Europe
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info An abandoned airport, shut for the past decade, is poised to make a return, offering budget flights to some of Europe's top destinations. Manston Airport in Kent, a former Royal Air Force base renowned for its pivotal role in both World Wars, is currently undergoing substantial refurbishment with an anticipated reopening in 2028. Initially, the rejuvenated airport will focus on cargo operations, but plans are afoot to introduce passenger services eventually. Tony Freudmann, a main board director at RiverOak Strategic Partners, the firm overseeing the airport, conveyed his optimism about the reintroduction of passenger services to the BBC, stating they have plans to attract short-haul carriers to popular European destinations. Join the North Wales Live WhatsApp community group where you can get the latest stories delivered straight to your phone The refurbishment of Manston is estimated to cost a whopping £500 million, encompassing new terminals and upgraded runways. The airport features a single runway that measures 2,748 meters (9,016 feet) in length and is notably wide at 60 metres, designed to accommodate emergency landings for Concorde and the Space Shuttle, reports The Mirror. If the cargo side of the operation proves to be successful, passenger routes to countries such as the Netherlands, Spain, Cyprus and Malta could be introduced. It was reported three years ago that the airport's owners were in discussions with budget airlines including Ryanair, easyJet and Wizz Air. At the time, Mr Freudmann told KentOnline: "Looking at the way the passenger market is going, we are confident we can persuade one or more low-cost carriers to base their planes here. "It does not work for us if they fly in just once a day because that is not economic. If they base three or four planes at Manston, we will have rotations three or four times a day, as they have at Southend. "That will cover our costs and bring passenger footfall through the terminal all day and every day. We will reinstate the twice daily KLM service to Amsterdam Schiphol that we had before and that will give business people in particular access to almost anywhere in the world." Despite there being no further updates on this endeavour since then, with RiverOak not responding to The Mirror's request for an update this month, the bustle at nearby hubs like Luton and Stansted could indicate ample demand for more passenger flights in the area. Reflecting on the steps required to launch services, a message from earlier in the year on the RiverOak website said: "Opening an airport – even one like Manston which already has in place a full-length runway, taxiways and airport buildings – takes a huge amount of preparation and planning first and so it will be many months before we are ready to welcome construction teams on site." (Image: KMG / SWNS) Survey work is set to commence this year and the next at the airport site, with ambitions to finalise "the airport master plan – a process which we expect to conclude in early 2026". A public consultation on potential flight paths will also be initiated during this period. "In early 2028, we expect construction works to be complete and recruitment for operational roles to begin to allow us to assemble the team and begin detailed preparations for reopening later on in 2028," the statement continued. However, the plans to refurbish the airport have faced some significant opposition, with groups like Don't Save Manston Airport highlighting the site's previous commercial failures and raising concerns about environmental impacts from increased aviation capacity. RiverOak, which acquired the site for £14million has indicated intentions to initiate operations with five cargo flights daily. Despite recommendations for refusal by planners, the redevelopment of Manston Airport was approved in 2023. The Planning Inspectorate expressed reservations about the airport's ability to offer services that are "additional to, or different from" those at other airports, its potential detrimental effects on the environment, and the likelihood of increased traffic on local roads. Since its closure in 2015 following years of financial difficulties, Manston Airport has been repurposed as a lorry park to ease temporary cross-Channel traffic congestion. The final flight to leave Manston was bound for Amsterdam on 9 April 2014. Formerly Kent's sole large airport, the region is home to smaller aviation facilities including Rochester Airport and Lydd Airport. The developers of the new scheme have claimed that up to 650 construction jobs and an additional 2,000 permanent jobs will be created when the project is finished, per their website. They said: "The project requires no government funding and has attracted several international investors who are prepared to invest £800 million in this deprived part of the country." Although the development bypassed local planning bodies due to being classified as a Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project, it faced legal hurdles. After the Secretary of State for Transport gave the green light in 2020 for Manston to reopen as a freight hub, the approval was initially quashed, leading to resubmission and subsequent reapproval, according to the Kent Messenger. In World War II, Manston airfield nearly met with destruction from heavy bombing and played host to numerous undetonated explosives. Positioned near the battlefront, the site was used as an emergency landing strip for badly damaged planes. Find out what's happening near you
North Wales Live
2 days ago
- Business
- North Wales Live
Abandoned UK airport could reopen and offer cheap Ryanair and easyJet flights to Europe
An abandoned airport, shut for the past decade, is poised to make a return, offering budget flights to some of Europe's top destinations. Manston Airport in Kent, a former Royal Air Force base renowned for its pivotal role in both World Wars, is currently undergoing substantial refurbishment with an anticipated reopening in 2028. Initially, the rejuvenated airport will focus on cargo operations, but plans are afoot to introduce passenger services eventually. Tony Freudmann, a main board director at RiverOak Strategic Partners, the firm overseeing the airport, conveyed his optimism about the reintroduction of passenger services to the BBC, stating they have plans to attract short-haul carriers to popular European destinations. Join the North Wales Live WhatsApp community group where you can get the latest stories delivered straight to your phone The refurbishment of Manston is estimated to cost a whopping £500 million, encompassing new terminals and upgraded runways. The airport features a single runway that measures 2,748 meters (9,016 feet) in length and is notably wide at 60 metres, designed to accommodate emergency landings for Concorde and the Space Shuttle, reports The Mirror. If the cargo side of the operation proves to be successful, passenger routes to countries such as the Netherlands, Spain, Cyprus and Malta could be introduced. It was reported three years ago that the airport's owners were in discussions with budget airlines including Ryanair, easyJet and Wizz Air. At the time, Mr Freudmann told KentOnline: "Looking at the way the passenger market is going, we are confident we can persuade one or more low-cost carriers to base their planes here. "It does not work for us if they fly in just once a day because that is not economic. If they base three or four planes at Manston, we will have rotations three or four times a day, as they have at Southend. "That will cover our costs and bring passenger footfall through the terminal all day and every day. We will reinstate the twice daily KLM service to Amsterdam Schiphol that we had before and that will give business people in particular access to almost anywhere in the world." Despite there being no further updates on this endeavour since then, with RiverOak not responding to The Mirror's request for an update this month, the bustle at nearby hubs like Luton and Stansted could indicate ample demand for more passenger flights in the area. Reflecting on the steps required to launch services, a message from earlier in the year on the RiverOak website said: "Opening an airport – even one like Manston which already has in place a full-length runway, taxiways and airport buildings – takes a huge amount of preparation and planning first and so it will be many months before we are ready to welcome construction teams on site." Survey work is set to commence this year and the next at the airport site, with ambitions to finalise "the airport master plan – a process which we expect to conclude in early 2026". A public consultation on potential flight paths will also be initiated during this period. "In early 2028, we expect construction works to be complete and recruitment for operational roles to begin to allow us to assemble the team and begin detailed preparations for reopening later on in 2028," the statement continued. However, the plans to refurbish the airport have faced some significant opposition, with groups like Don't Save Manston Airport highlighting the site's previous commercial failures and raising concerns about environmental impacts from increased aviation capacity. RiverOak, which acquired the site for £14million has indicated intentions to initiate operations with five cargo flights daily. Despite recommendations for refusal by planners, the redevelopment of Manston Airport was approved in 2023. The Planning Inspectorate expressed reservations about the airport's ability to offer services that are "additional to, or different from" those at other airports, its potential detrimental effects on the environment, and the likelihood of increased traffic on local roads. Since its closure in 2015 following years of financial difficulties, Manston Airport has been repurposed as a lorry park to ease temporary cross-Channel traffic congestion. The final flight to leave Manston was bound for Amsterdam on 9 April 2014. Formerly Kent's sole large airport, the region is home to smaller aviation facilities including Rochester Airport and Lydd Airport. The developers of the new scheme have claimed that up to 650 construction jobs and an additional 2,000 permanent jobs will be created when the project is finished, per their website. They said: "The project requires no government funding and has attracted several international investors who are prepared to invest £800 million in this deprived part of the country." Although the development bypassed local planning bodies due to being classified as a Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project, it faced legal hurdles. After the Secretary of State for Transport gave the green light in 2020 for Manston to reopen as a freight hub, the approval was initially quashed, leading to resubmission and subsequent reapproval, according to the Kent Messenger. In World War II, Manston airfield nearly met with destruction from heavy bombing and played host to numerous undetonated explosives. Positioned near the battlefront, the site was used as an emergency landing strip for badly damaged planes.
India Today
2 days ago
- Automotive
- India Today
Air travel will get super cheap. A 35-minute flight just proved that
When the supersonic Concorde in 1976 made its first commercial flight, breaking the sound barrier, it marked a watershed moment in aviation history. Earlier this month, civil aviation took another giant leap, perhaps the most significant since. As Beta Technologies' Alia CX300 electric aircraft touched down at New York's JFK Airport with four passengers, it marked a game-changing moment for electric flights, which is the future. The future isn't coming, it just 130-km flight from the Long Island's East Hampton to New York, completed in just 35 minutes and costing passengers only $8 (less than Rs 700), not only ushered in clean and comfortable flying but also marked the beginning of a new era of affordable air India, urban-centric electric air taxis, unlike the Alia CX300, which requires runways, are prepping for take-off, with trials set to begin by FLIGHT IS USHERING IN A COST REVOLUTION The maiden passenger flight of the Alia CX300 aircraft from East Hampton to JFK Airport showcased unprecedented cost road, the 130-km journey typically takes over 2 hours by car, during peak traffic, costing around $30-$40 in fuel and tolls for a standard vehicle. Train travel, via the Long Island Rail Road, takes about 2 hours and 45 minutes from East Hampton to Penn Station, with fares ranging from $20-$30 contrast, the Alia CX300 covered the distance in 35 minutes at a cruising speed of approximately 222 kmph (120 knots), for just $8 (Rs 688) in electricity was significantly cheaper than a modern fossil-fuel-powered aircraft, which could cost $150-$200 in fuel for a similar short-haul flight, as they are propelled by expensive jet fuel. The electric aircraft's low operational costs make it a game-changer for short-distance options for the 130-km East Hampton–New York City route reveal how electric aviation outpaces road, rail, and contemporary air travel in both cost and of TransportTravel TimeCost (One-Way)Fuel TypeBy Car2 hours$30–$40Petrol/Diesel/ElectricityBy Train (LIRR)2 hours 45 min$20–$30Electricity/DieselConventional Aircraft30minutes$150–$200Jet FuelAlia CX300 (Electric Aircraft)35 minutes$8 (Rs 688)ElectricityElectric flights are ideal for short-haul routes, as they offer low costs and efficiency where conventional flights are often seen as impractical due to high fuel and operational expenses. With the improvement of battery technology and range, the potential for electric aviation is FIRST ELECTRIC FLIGHT LANDED IN NEW YORK'S JFKOn June 3, Beta Technologies' Alia CX300, piloted by CEO Kyle Clark, made history by landing at JFK Airport after a 35-minute flight. The flight carried four passengers, including Republic Airways President Matt Koscal and Blade Air Mobility CEO Rob Wiesenthal, reported the US-based FLYING aircraft are easier on the earth too, producing little to no carbon emissions compared to conventional jets."This is a 100% electric airplane that just flew from East Hampton to JFK with passengers on it, which was a first for the New York Port Authority and the New York area," Clark told Fox quiet operation, unlike in contemporary passenger jets, allowed passengers to converse easily inside the cabin. And the regional turboprops are extravagant in decibels. The Alia electric aircraft in its maiden passenger flight flew 130 km in 35 minutes to reach its destination, New York's JKF International. (Image: Beta Technologies) ABOUT THE WORLD'S FIRST ELECTRIC AIRCRAFTThe Alia CX300, which marked the maiden flight, takes-off and lands conventionally, and is designed for short-haul passenger, cargo, and medical a range of 460 km (250 nautical miles) on a full charge, it cruises at a maximum speed of 222 to contemporary fossil-fuel-powered aircraft used on small routes, which have a similar range and burn $100-$150 in fuel per hour, the CX300's $8 per flight energy cost is aircraft works like a super-quiet electric car with wings. Its five electric motors power propellers (like turboprops, but smaller), fixed wings, and landing gears let it operate like a regular near-silent operation enhances passenger comfort, and eliminates the need for headsets. The zero-emission profile aligns with environmental goals electric aircraft (in trail or development stages) for similar short-haul sectors, though varying in vertical take-off capability, propulsion-type, range, or speed, offer comparable cost efficiency and environmental manufacturers such as Airbus, Boeing, Embraer, Honda, Hyundai, and Toyota have also made limited strides toward electric aviation, which are now focusing more on developing components and FUTURE OF ELECTRIC AVIATIONBeta Technologies, whose aircraft achieved the feat, has plans to achieve full FAA certification for the Alia CX300 by also building a network of 46 charging stations across the US, with 50 more in the pipeline, to support its aircraft, reported FLYING Magazine in Beta has secured orders from Air New Zealand, UPS, and Bristow for both its regular runway-base and the 'electric vertical take-off and landing' (eVTOLs) models. The Alia CX300 belongs to the former from Beta, several electric aircraft manufacturers like Joby Aviation in the US and Elfly Group in Norway are advancing innovative projects, with significant investments and infrastructure development. This is poised to scale up the viability of electric aviation's future hinges on scaling infrastructure and improving battery range, but regulatory support and international consensus remain a tricky proposition for now. Anyway, domestically, urban air mobility is set to transform short-haul travel, within a decade at most, was underlined by Rick Cotton, the executive director of New York's Port Authority. A BETA electric aircraft being recharged through its portable 'Charge Cube', with a highpower connector plug. (Image: Beta Technologies) INDIA TO LAUNCH INDIGENOUS AIR TAXI BY 2026India is advancing toward urban air mobility, with the government planning trials of an indigenous air taxi service by Centre is set to introduce an indigenously developed air taxi service, with trial runs expected to begin by 2026, Union Civil Aviation Minister Kinjarapu Ram Mohan Naidu revealed at an event in said, "eVTOLs are set to transform urban mobility in India, and we are working tirelessly to make this a reality by next year. With the DGCA already issuing guidelines on vertiports, airworthiness, and air taxi licensing, India is moving fast towards a future of advanced air mobility". A joint InterGlobe-Archer venture plans to launch 200 electric air taxis in India by 2026, starting operations in Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru. (Image: Reuters) Meanwhile, US-based Archer Aviation, backed by Stellantis and Boeing, is also working with India's aviation watchdog DGCA to secure regulatory approvals ahead of its own trial flights next year, reported news agency eVTOLs/air taxis are meant for short urban hops with vertical take-off and landing, runway-based electric aircraft like the Alia CX300 have the liberty to cater to slightly longer regional years ago, the wings of the Concorde were, unfortunately, clipped too soon, but not before proving that a supersonic passenger flight was possible. It ignited human imagination and laid the foundation for future innovations. Now, with the electric flight taking-off, there's hope it becomes aviation's own Apollo moment, and its wings soar.- EndsMust Watch
Wales Online
3 days ago
- Business
- Wales Online
Abandoned UK airport to reopen offering cheap Ryanair and easyJet flights to Europe
Abandoned UK airport to reopen offering cheap Ryanair and easyJet flights to Europe It's currently undergoing a major refurbishment Branded Manston, Kent International Airport (Image: KMG / SWNS ) An airport which has been out of operation for a decade is now set to make a comeback, offering budget flights to some of Europe's prime destinations. Manston Airport in Kent is the former Royal Air Force base, known for its significant role in both World Wars, is currently undergoing extensive refurbishment and is expected to reopen in 2028. Initially, the revived airport will concentrate on cargo operations, but there are plans to introduce passenger services in due course. For our free daily briefing on the biggest issues facing the nation, sign up to the Wales Matters newsletter here Tony Freudmann, a main board director at RiverOak Strategic Partners, the company controlling the airport, expressed optimism about the return of passenger services to the BBC, stating they have plans to attract short-haul carriers to popular European destinations. The refurbishment of Manston is projected to cost a staggering £500 million, including new terminals and upgraded runways. The airport boasts a single runway that measures 2,748 meters (9,016 feet) in length and is notably wide at 60 metres, designed to accommodate emergency landings for Concorde and the Space Shuttle. If the cargo side of the operation proves to be successful, passenger routes to countries such as the Netherlands, Spain, Cyprus and Malta could be introduced. It was reported three years ago that the airport's owners were in discussions with budget airlines including Ryanair, easyJet and Wizz Air, reports the Mirror. Article continues below Fascinating pictures of a closed Manston Airport, Kent (Image: KMG / SWNS ) At the time, Mr Freudmann told KentOnline: "Looking at the way the passenger market is going, we are confident we can persuade one or more low-cost carriers to base their planes here. "It does not work for us if they fly in just once a day because that is not economic. If they base three or four planes at Manston, we will have rotations three or four times a day, as they have at Southend. "That will cover our costs and bring passenger footfall through the terminal all day and every day. We will reinstate the twice daily KLM service to Amsterdam Schiphol that we had before and that will give business people in particular access to almost anywhere in the world." Despite there being no further updates on this endeavour since then, with RiverOak not responding to Mirror's request for an update this month, the bustle at nearby hubs like Luton and Stansted could indicate ample demand for more passenger flights in the area. Reflecting on the steps required to launch services, a message from earlier in the year on the RiverOak website said: "Opening an airport – even one like Manston which already has in place a full-length runway, taxiways and airport buildings – takes a huge amount of preparation and planning first and so it will be many months before we are ready to welcome construction teams on site". Survey work is set to commence this year and the next at the airport site, with ambitions to finalise "the airport master plan – a process which we expect to conclude in early 2026." A public consultation on potential flight paths will also be initiated during this period. "In early 2028, we expect construction works to be complete and recruitment for operational roles to begin to allow us to assemble the team and begin detailed preparations for reopening later on in 2028," the statement continued. However, the plans to refurbish the airport have faced some significant opposition, with groups like Don't Save Manston Airport highlighting the site's previous commercial failures and raising concerns about environmental impacts from increased aviation capacity. RiverOak, which acquired the site for £14million has indicated intentions to initiate operations with five cargo flights daily. Despite recommendations for refusal by planners, the redevelopment of Manston Airport was approved in 2023. The Planning Inspectorate expressed reservations about the airport's ability to offer services that are "additional to, or different from" those at other airports, its potential detrimental effects on the environment, and the likelihood of increased traffic on local roads. Since its closure in 2015 following years of financial difficulties, Manston Airport has been repurposed as a lorry park to ease temporary cross-Channel traffic congestion. The final flight to leave Manston was bound for Amsterdam on 9 April 2014. Formerly Kent's sole large airport, the region is home to smaller aviation facilities including Rochester Airport and Lydd Airport. The developers of the new scheme have claimed that up to 650 construction jobs and an additional 2,000 permanent jobs will be created when the project is finished, per their website. They said: "The project requires no government funding and has attracted several international investors who are prepared to invest £800 million in this deprived part of the country." Although the development bypassed local planning bodies due to being classified as a Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project, it faced legal hurdles. After the Secretary of State for Transport gave the green light in 2020 for Manston to reopen as a freight hub, the approval was initially quashed, leading to resubmission and subsequent reapproval, according to the Kent Messenger. In World War II, Manston airfield nearly met with destruction from heavy bombing and played host to numerous undetonated explosives. Article continues below Positioned near the battlefront, the site was used as an emergency landing strip for badly damaged planes.
