Manston International Airshow 2025: Dates Announced and First Participant Revealed
Manston, UK – A new chapter in the history of Manston Airport is set to unfold as the organizers of the Manston International Airshow announce the dates and first participant for the much-anticipated 2025 event. Scheduled for the 16th and 17th of August 2025, this airshow will bring the skies above Kent to life, marking the first major aviation event at Manston since 2013.
The first confirmed act is the Belgian-based Bronco Demo Team, renowned for their exhilarating performances featuring the North American OV-10 Bronco. This versatile aircraft, originally designed for counter-insurgency operations in the 1960s, is celebrated for its unique twin-boom design and remarkable agility, making it a favorite among airshow audiences worldwide.
OV-10B Bronco of the Bronco Demo Team
NI International Airshow 2024
In a statement shared on the events Facebook page, the organizers expressed their excitement: “We are thrilled to have you on board and to be able to start sharing with you what will be a spectacular event for Kent. A show that we have been working on as a team since August and are delighted to confirm as a date for the diary.” They also indicated that the airshow’s website is in the final stages of development and will soon provide details on attractions, ticket packages, and opportunities for local businesses to get involved.
Manston Airport, with its storied past, serves as a fitting venue for this grand event. Originally opened as RAF Manston in 1916, the site has transitioned through various roles, including as Kent International Airport and briefly as London Manston Airport, before closing in 2014. Situated in the parish of Minster-in-Thanet, the airport features one of the UK’s longest civilian runways, capable of accommodating large aircraft, though not the largest types at full capacity.
Since its closure, the airport has found new purposes, serving as an emergency lorry park, a filming location for productions like the 2023 film “Empire of Light,” and hosting events such as the 2023 British Open Paramotor Championships. Owned by RiverOak Strategic Partners since 2019, Manston is poised for a resurgence as an airfreight hub, with plans to reopen for cargo flights in 2025.
Coinciding with the Airbourne: Eastbourne International Airshow, which runs from the 15th to 18th of August, the Manston International Airshow will share some display acts, promising a vibrant spectacle for aviation fans in the region.
The organizers extended their gratitude to RiverOak Strategic Partners and Visit Thanet for their support in launching this high-profile event in the “Garden of England.” As anticipation builds, enthusiasts can look forward to further announcements as the airshow’s website goes live, offering a detailed glimpse into what promises to be a landmark event in the aviation calendar.
