Three Kent airports are among a number of regional airports in the south east earmarked by the government as capable of handling flights carrying visitors to the London Olympic Games.

An official review of airports with suitable facilities located within a 75-mile radius of the Olympic Park at Stratford has led to a number of UK airports airports being deemed as suitable to handle flights linked to the Games.

The Kent airports are: Manston, Lydd and Rochester.

Biggin Hill Airport, which is in the London Borough of Bromley, is also on the list.

The four are among 36 airports designated as "temporarily coordinated" alongside Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted and London City, in terms of slot allocations for the period July 21- August 15, 2012.

Manston has a longer runway than any of the the other airports on the list - including Luton and Birmingham - and is capable of handling large aircraft including Boeing 747s and Airbus A340s.

Manston chief executive Charles Buchanan said: "Whether the planes are carrying passengers or freight, Manston is perfectly placed to welcome visitors and athletes to the UK.

"During the recent visit of The Open to Kent we welcomed small and large aircraft, carrying competitors, officials and spectators, and this experience will stand us in good stead for the impending Olympics."

Lydd has been rated as capable of handling up to 238 general and business aviation flights during the peak period of the Olympics.

A spokesman for Lydd Airport said: "We are delighted to be playing our part in welcoming UK and overseas visitors to next year's Olympic and Paralympic Games.

"Lydd is ideally located to welcome visitors to who are heading to the Games.

"Flights travelling in and out of Lydd will avoid the busy air traffic control zones further inland towards London, ensuring a rapid and trouble-free travel experience for our passengers."

The third Kent airport is Rochester.

Meanwhile, the news is not all good for Biggin Hill Airport, where bosses describe a decision by Bromley Council - which owns the airport - to reject a revised proposal for increased operating hours during the Olympics as "a missed opportunity."