December 12 - Manston Airport on the south coast of the UK looks set to close for good after Thanet district councilors voted against pursuing a compulsory purchase order for the gateway.
HLPFI reported on May 12, 2014 that the airport's owners, the Gloag Foundation, closed the airport due to ongoing operational losses and lack of profitability in the medium term. A petition signed by more than 5,000 people to keep the UK's fourth largest runway open fell on deaf ears, as 144 people lost their jobs.
The gateway was sold in September 2014 to redevelopers that intend to build housing, schools and manufacturing facilities on the site. USA-based RiverOak Investments had expressed strong interest in purchasing Manston Airport and keeping the doors open.
