Campaigners are due to gather outside Manston Airport in Kent tonight to protest against its impending closure

The site is due to shut on 15 May, resulting in the loss of up to 150 jobs. According to the BBC, a bid from an American company was rejected on Monday, and another fell through during April.

The airport announced in March that a consultation was being held about its future.

In a statement, an airport spokesman said:

“Following a meeting with staff this morning, I can confirm the collective consultation has failed to identify a viable alternative that would allow the airport to remain open. “Proposals put forward by staff were carefully considered by the management and owners but these proposals would still have required ongoing substantial losses be subsidised and therefore were not viable.

“In the absence of other options, the decision has been taken to close the airport on the May 15.

“Individual consultation will now take place with all staff members who will be supported through this process.

“This has been a very difficult time for everyone who works at the airport and we would like to thank all staff for their professionalism over the last few weeks.”

The campaign group, Save Manston Airport, estimates that it expects over a hundred people to attend the protest.

Image(s) provided by: