Lydd Airport’s multi-million-pound development programme has taken another step forward following completion of the first phase of refurbishment work to its main terminal building.

The airport, on Kent’s Romney Marsh, now has improved passenger check-in and security facilities, larger arrivals and baggage reclaim areas and a new departure lounge capable of accommodating up to 100 passengers an hour.

The refurbishment also includes additional state-of-the-art CCTV and electronic access control systems to enhance the safety and security of passengers and aircraft.

A further phase of refurbishment will include the introduction of an arrivals carousel and check-in desk baggage conveyors, which will be completed before the end of the year. The airport is investing more than £240,000 in the upgrade, which has also created two full-time maintenance jobs.

More than £30 million has now been spent on improving infrastructure and facilities at the airport.

Airport Manager Bernard Daly said: “Despite the current economic climate, the airport is steadily increasing business. So far this year, movements of larger aircraft, above 5.7 tonnes, have more than doubled compared with 2010 and we are continuing to go from strength to strength.

“These improvements reinforce the airport’s continuing commitment to growth, supporting increasing levels of business aviation, aircraft training, general aviation and cargo operations while at the same time helping us to attract new passenger aircraft operations.”

Lydd Airport has lodged planning applications for a 294m runway extension plus a 150m starter extension and a new terminal capable of handling up to 500,000 passengers a year.

The plans were approved by Shepway District Council in March 2010 but were subsequently called in by the Government. A public inquiry began in February this year and is expected to finish in September.

For more information visit www.lydd-airport.co.uk
 

Hawkinge Gazette and Channel Coast News 2011©