Kent airport may shut if more night flights not allowed
19.08.11
Kent's Manston Airport could shut if it is not allowed to operate more night flights, its chief executive has said. Thanet District Council is considering whether to grant permission for the airport to operate more night flights. Airport boss Charles Buchanan said commercial airlines would only use the hub if they could fly early in the morning or late at night.
A study commissioned by the airport has claimed night flying could see 3,000 jobs created at the airport. However, campaigners opposed to the move have set up an online petition claiming the flights would reduce the quality of life for everyone within earshot of the flight path.
Mr Buchanan said: ‘Modern airlines have to fly from the earliest part of the day to the latest part of the night to make sure they make money. Without them making money, they don't come to our airport.’ He said the airport was currently losing in the region of £5m a year, adding that not being able to operate night flights ‘could mean shutting the airport’.
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