A £700,000 new hangar is being planned at Lydd airport to keep up with a rise in demand for business and flights.

Building work is expected to start next month and set to take around 19 weeks to complete.

The 2,100sqm hangar will be constructed by Civils Contracting Ltd, based at East Peckham, near Tonbridge.

The firm has experience of constructing hangars for airport clients in the UK, including Southend, Bournemouth and Biggin Hill.

Lydd chief executive Charles Buchanan said the decision to invest in additional hangar space was driven by a rise in business and general aviation traffic using the airport.

The new 29m by 73m structure will be built alongside existing hangars.

Mr Buchanan said: “This investment underlines our determination to ensure that the airport is able to meet the needs and expectations of the growing number of aviation businesses and customers who use Lydd.’’

The airport has spent £35 million upgrading facilities over the past decade, including the installation of an instrument landing system, a new executive terminal with VIP facilities, improved passenger check-in and security, and a new departure lounge.

The airport caters for a range of aircraft operations and provides extensive services, including air traffic control and navigational aids, an FBO with 24-hour operating capability, full terminal services and engineering and cargo facilities.

Civils project director Nick Weaver said: “We are delighted to be playing our part in the continuing expansion and development of Lydd. As a Kent business, we applaud their policy of trading with suppliers located within the county.”

Meanwhile the airport continues to prepare to build its long-awaited 294-metre runway extension plus 150-metre starter extension.

Construction is expected to begin this year but it is not yet known exactly when because of the time needed over the complex tendering process.