Celebrates Revival by Hosting Manston International Airshow

A small, historic airport in Kent, England is set to reopen 10 years after it was sold and shut down. To celebrate its revival, Manston International Airport will be hosting an airshow of its own. The event is set for August 2025.

When Manston Airport was just farmland, it was used as a World War I site for emergency landings. This led to the establishment of the Admiralty Aerodrome, then a bomber training school. This site is now marked by the Spitfire and Hurricane Memorial Museum.

During the Second World War, then Royal Air Force base Manston served as a drop-off point for enemies to unload extra bombs. It played a significant role due to its proximity to France. In the 1950s, the field became a Strategic Air Command base for US Air Force fighters and bombers.

Once the USAF left Manston, it reverted to a joint civilian and RAF field. It then transitioned to a purely civilian field and work began on turning it into an airline hub. However, operations took a turn for the worse after its primary airline shut down. Buyers swooped in to save the day, but the damage had already been done. Losses continued growing and discussions surrounding its closure began in March 2014.

Manston Airport sent off its last scheduled flight in April 2014, resulting in the loss of 144 jobs. Officials planned to tear down the site and construct some 4,000 homes and parks while preserving the historic runway. This development eventually fell through and local advocacy groups took the stage to earn the airport’s revival.

The UK government approved the project in August 2022, allowing Manston Airport to be turned into a new cargo hub. The revamp, which will provide runway improvements and new terminals, is expected to cost over $600 million. Despite some delays, the airport is slated to become operational by 2027.

To celebrate its revival, Manston Airport is set to host an airshow on August 16 and 17, 2025. This will be the first large aviation event at the field in over 11 years. The airshow team shared their excitement on Facebook, stating: “We are thrilled to have you on board and to be able to start sharing with you what will be a spectacular event for Kent.”

FMI: www.rsp.co.uk