Scheduled passenger flights between Kent and Amsterdam could take off in the spring - but a final decision may depend on the reaction of local residents.

Manston Airport has confirmed it is in talks with Dutch airline KLM Royal Dutch Airlines - part of Air France - about operating twice-daily 40-minute flights from the Thanet terminal to the busy hub airport at Schiphol, near Amsterdam.

It would link Kent with the rest of the world because Schiphol offers flights to more than 90 destinations to the rest of Europe, America, Asia and Africa.

The new service could create dozens of jobs and re-establish Manston’s reputation as an ideal airport for scheduled operators. It might also widen the appeal for potential buyers after New Zealand-based Infratil put the airport up for sale.

However, KLM’s decision, which is expected soon, could well be influenced by the results of a poll of Kent residents.

Charles Buchanan, chief executive at Manston Airport, said: “As part of our route development activity, we have been in discussions with KLM for some time. The airline has asked us to conduct a survey of local residents to find out what the level of demand is for the service.”

But he told KentOnline that the public would not make the final decision.

“It is the airline to decide but it would like evidence of the feel for the strength of the local market and the network of routes and destinations that people in the local area travel on.”

KLM was keen to operate from Manston, he said. “This is towards the end of their assessment programme but they need to build a reliable and substantial case to put before their board to make the ultimate decision.”

“This clearly would put Manston on a significant aviation map and provide a fantastic opportunity for the regeneration of East Kent.

In less than an hour, you could be at the hub interlining onto a long-haul service to a destination of your choice.”

The number of jobs would depend on the nature of the service. “Certainly there will be jobs created as a result – more in the dozens than hundreds.”

He added: “If KLM decides to operate flights from Manston it would mean Kent residents would have easy access to sunny destinations all year round.

"Manston is a great hassle-free alternative to the London airports. We have very reasonable car parking charges and because of our fast check-in, passengers can be on a plane within minutes of arriving at the airport.

“As well as offering local residents the chance to travel worldwide, the flights would also bring a welcome boost to East Kent’s tourism with the potential to bring thousands of visitors to the county.”

Manston Airport currently has the capacity for up to one million passengers a year, with a master plan to boost numbers to five million by 2033.

Last year, nearly 50 million passengers passed through Schiphol, making it one of Europe’s busiest airports.