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A major European investment firm has finalised a funding agreement to resurrect Manston Airport in a £750 million deal, positioning the Kent site as a crucial new economic engine for London and a future hub for budget airlines, Daily Dazzling Dawn can reveal.
While initial reports highlighted a delayed 2029 timeline, this publication has learned that the landmark financing package from a continental infrastructure fund is now signed. This pivotal step unlocks the next phase: aggressive negotiations with airlines and final planning consents, with a firm focus on serving London’s underserved demand for cargo and budget travel.
The Strategic Pivot: London's New Cargo & Budget Travel Gateway-RiverOak Strategic Partners (RSP), the airport's owners, confirm that the project’s scope has strategically evolved. The primary initial focus will be establishing Manston as a dedicated cargo hub to alleviate chronic strain on London’s major passenger airports. However, integrated into the blueprints from day one is a rapid, scalable pivot to passenger services, specifically targeting the model of low-cost and leisure carriers.
"Manston is not just an airport reopening; it’s a strategic piece of infrastructure for the London region’s economy,” a senior RSP source stated. “We are in active, early-stage dialogues with several airlines, including operators like Jet2 and TUI, who recognise the value of an uncongested, cost-effective base close to London. This is about creating new, affordable travel options for Londoners and stimulating investment in East Kent.”
The Runway to 2029-The secured funding shifts the project from aspiration to execution. The immediate next step is the anticipated launch of a critical public consultation on proposed new airspace changes in March 2026, a necessary regulatory hurdle. Parallel to this, RSP’s development team will advance the detailed design and contractor tendering for the extensive refurbishment of the century-old terminal and runway.
Industry analysts note Manston’s potential to capture post-Brexit freight growth and serve as a pressure valve for London’s crowded air travel market. Its location offers a unique proposition: easy access to the capital and the Channel ports without the operational delays of larger hubs, a key selling point to cost-conscious airlines.
The transformation of the former RAF base, which most recently served as a film set, into a modern logistics and travel nexus represents one of the UK's most significant private infrastructure investments. While the 2029 opening for cargo is the current target, insiders suggest passenger operations could follow swiftly once the facility is operational and airline partnerships are cemented, ultimately delivering on the promise of a new, budget-friendly gateway for London.
