The managing director of Lydd Airport has resigned.

Zaher Deir said he was leaving with “deepest regret and sadness”, citing differences with the shareholders and a member of the board of directors at the London Ashford Airport, at Lydd.

Mr Deir, who has held the post for the past five years, said: “The board and I had different visions relating to the future direction of the airport and associated aviation services based here.

“It’s regrettable that we cannot agree a united way forward and I felt it was time to hand over the reins to a new management team.

“My departure in no way affects the exciting development plans for the airport or the day-to-day running of the business.

“I’m very proud of what has been achieved here during my time as managing director and I wish the airport every success in the future.”

Mr Deir’s replacement has not yet been announced.

Lydd airport has two planning applications with Shepway District Council.

One is for a new terminal building, capable of handling up to 500,000 passengers a year, the other is for a 294-metre runway extension.