Manston Airport is to close on 15 May, the airport has announced.

The airport says: “In the absence of other options, the decision has been taken to close the airport on the 15 May. I can confirm the collective consultation has failed to identify a viable alternative.” According to the airport, proposals put forward by staff were considered by the management, but these would have required ongoing substantial losses. Individual consultation with the 144 affected employees will now take place.  The Gloag Foundation, owned by buses and trains magnate Ann Gloag, announced in mid-March that the airport, which it acquired from New Zealand-based infrastructure company Infratil for a nominal £1 ($1.68) last October, would have to close because it was losing £10,000 a day. Options for the airport had included turning it into a training centre, possibly including a cargo element, or developing the existing aircraft recycling business. The airport had been popular with full freighter operators unwilling to use busier gateways near London.