Passenger flights are set to return to a Kent airport later this summer, it has been confirmed today.

Air Alderney is expected to operate regular services from the airfield at Lydd on Romney Marsh to destinations including the French airport of Le Touquet.

The confirmation that passenger routes will once against operate from London Ashford Airport came earlier today in an update from management.

David Hainsworth, from airport operator FAL Aviation, said: "Our short-, medium- and long-term business plan to transform the airport continues at pace.

"Re-organisation of airport operations, and the build of two new hangars, is designed to support existing and new businesses which include engineering services, search and rescue, drone operations, flying schools, government agencies, business jet services and general aviation.

"Air Alderney commence passenger services to Le Touquet and other destinations from summer 2023."

In today's business update, FAL Aviation acknowledged "economic uncertainty in the aviation market" but said its business is "well placed to accommodate further initiatives and interest in the airport continues to build".

Lydd Airport opened in 1954 and throughout its history has been closely linked with the coastal resort of Le Touquet, which lies just a short hop across the English Channel.

By 1959, the airport was one of the busiest in the UK, with more than 250,000 passengers annually.

The primary operation involved 'air ferries' which took passengers and their vehicles across to the continent, but competition from the ferries and hovercraft eventually made this less attractive.

LyddAir is the most recent operator to fly scheduled flights from the airport, but these ceased in 2018.

There have been controversial proposals to expand the airport and lengthen its runway to accommodate larger aircraft.

The Lydd Airport Action Group has been a vocal opponent of such plans, pointing to the impact on nearby communities and the risk posed by proximity to the Dungeness nuclear plant and army firing ranges.