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Jobs under threat as Kent airport looks set to close
Loss-making Manston Airport in Kent looks set to close with the loss of 150 jobs, it was announced today.
The mostly part-time staff at the regional airport were told that a 45-day consultation period had begun over its possible "orderly" closure.
It is understood the airport has been losing £10,000 a day under its new owner, making its long-term future unsustainable.
An airport spokesman said: "Following a meeting with staff at Manston airport in Kent today, Wednesday March 19, we can confirm we have commenced a process of consultation over the possible orderly closure of the airport.
"No further comment will be made until the consultation period with staff has been concluded."
Ironically, the announcement was made as the Chancellor George Osborne announced in today’s Budget plans to offer support for start-up services from regional airports.
Stagecoach co-founder Ann Gloag bought Manston last year for just £1. She has since held discussions with Ryanair to launch flights from the airport, but plans have not come to fruition.
Unite the Union said it was seeking further clarification from the management regarding the proposed closure.
Regional officer Ian McCoulough said: "The news has just broken and I am seeking clarification from the management about the airport’s future. Until I have had that conversation, it would not be appropriate to comment at length.
"Unite is the major union at the airport and represents employees, such as the fire service and the baggage handlers. Unite will do everything possible to safeguard the interests of our members in the days and weeks ahead.
"Any loss of employment would be a hard blow for the local economy."
It is understood the airport will remain operational during the consultation period.
Manston has only a double-daily flight to Amsterdam, operated by KLM, and seasonal charters to Naples, Oporto, Dubrovnik and Verona operated mainly by Newmarket Holidays.
Linsey McNeill
Editor Linsey McNeill has been writing about travel for more than three decades. Bylines include The Times, Telegraph, Observer, Guardian and Which? plus the South China Morning Post. She also shares insider tips on thetraveljournalist.co.uk
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