Manston Airport in Thanet, Kent, closed since 2014, is set to reopen as a state-of-the-art freight hub in the coming years, with its historic runway preparing to host its first air show in over a decade. The Manston International Airshow, scheduled for August 16-17, 2025, marks the airport’s return to prominence and a significant moment for the Kent aviation community.

A Historic Milestone

Organizers of the air show expressed their excitement, saying:

“We are thrilled to have you on board and to be able to start sharing what will be a spectacular event for Kent.”

The event will showcase aerial displays and celebrate the site’s rich aviation history, dating back to World War I.

Plans for the Future

The revived airport will primarily serve as a cargo hub, a transformation that is expected to boost the local economy. This development is part of a larger vision to revitalize the once-thriving airfield, which has a storied past as both a military and civilian airport.

Manston’s Storied Past

Manston’s history began during World War I, serving as an emergency landing site. It gained prominence during World War II, playing a crucial role in the Battle of Britain. The airfield was used for emergency landings, and its proximity to occupied France made it a critical recovery and defense point for both the RAF and USAAF.

Notable moments include:

• Hosting Hawker Hurricanes and Hawker Typhoons during WWII.
• Trials for the bouncing bomb.
• Use by the United States Air Force during the Cold War as a Strategic Air Command base.

In 1960, Manston became a joint civilian and RAF airport before transitioning to Kent International Airport in 1989. Military use ceased in 1999, and its focus shifted entirely to civilian aviation.

Challenges and Closure

Despite its historic significance, Manston faced financial struggles:

• In the early 2000s, attempts were made to establish it as a budget airline hub, offering domestic and international routes.
• By 2014, the airport was losing £10,000 daily, leading to its closure and the loss of 144 jobs.

Thanet North MP Sir Roger Gale called the shutdown an “act of corporate vandalism.”

Anticipation Builds

The reopening of Manston Airport is being welcomed as a chance to revive its economic and historical significance. The 2025 air show promises to be a key highlight, celebrating both the airport’s future and its illustrious past.

More details about the air show and the freight hub’s progress will be announced in the coming months.