KLM Cityhopper (WA, Amsterdam Schiphol) staff have reacted in horror at the impending possible closure of London Manston Airport. Late last week, airport chief executive Charles Buchanan told customers that a 45-day consultation would be held over the airport's future which he said, was racking up daily losses of over GBP10'000 (USD14'500).

According to the BBC, Buchanan said "the lack of reliable prospect of profitability in the medium term" was another reason.

A possible closure date of April 9 has been speculated about, but not confirmed.

Originally a Royal Air Force (RFR, Brize Norton) airbase, the airfield was transformed into a civilian operation in 1989. In addition to its KLM Royal Dutch Airlines (KL, Amsterdam Schiphol) Amsterdam Schiphol service, it also caters to freight specialists such as Cargolux (CV, Luxembourg) and Saudia (SV, Jeddah International) Cargo.