Manston Airport could have a part to play in increasing airport capacity in the South East, according to the government.

Transport Minister Theresa Villiers has admitted "making better use of the airports we have" is a viable option to help meet demand and for the first time she acknowledged that "some would also like to see Manston play a role".

With Heathrow and Gatwick both virtually full, there are concerns all airports in the South East will be at capacity by around 2030.

Charles Buchanan, Chief Executive of Manston, Kent’s International Airport in Thanet, said it is about time the government looked to regional hubs: "We’ve been pressing the government to consider this for a long time.

"Manston has a key role to play not just in satisfying the aviation capacity but also in being an engine for growth within the South East economy – bringing in business, employing people in the operation of the airport will be a key driver to the local economy."

However, Ms Villiers went on to say that airports in the South East are likely to reach capacity even if regional airports shoulder some of the load.

But Mr Buchanan said it would still be integral for the long-term development of the region’s air capacity: "If we don’t have a medium-term plan, if we don’t satisfy the growth of air traffic that will come as the economy returns that traffic will just go elsewhere.

"Improving rail-infrastructure is the key. All parties must get on with the improvement of the high speed rail service between Ramsgate and Ashford and on into London.

"That will effectively cut almost 15 minutes off the journey time, putting Manston within almost an hour of St Pancras."

Ms Villiers was speaking at the Transport Times conference. The government is expected to announce that an official consultation on aviation policy will take place this summer.

It will include plans for a large, new airport in the Thames Estuary, which faces strong opposition from Medway Council, Kent County Council and local environmentalists.