LYDD AIRPORT in Kent, which claims to be the only totally new full size airport to be opened in the UK since World War II, will celebrate its 50th anniversary on the 14th of July, Bastille Day.
Back in 1954 a short air route to France was seen as the future. Bristol Freighters (frighteners) helped to make Lydd busier than Gatwick during the fifties and early sixties, operating up to 200 flights a day to destinations in France and Belgium.
The advent of roll-on roll-off car ferries killed the cross channel car ferry business during the early seventies.
With new impetus Lydd is now making plans for the future, the only current operator Sky-Trek Airlines who operates a fleet of three Trislanders on cross Channel services.
Work is expected shortly to develop the apron to park seven 737 size aircraft and install a new Instrument Landing System (ILS).
Plans for a new terminal building are already well advanced and a feasibility study is being undertaken to look at a connection to Ashford International railway station via an existing line.
http://www.lydd-airport.co.uk