Six jobs have been lost at Lydd Airport after the managers say they have been forced to make cost savings.

Managing director Jonathan Gordon said he regretted the redundancies but the airport could not sustain the current level of operating losses.

The airport has two planning applications before Shepway District Council for a new terminal and a runway extension.

The applications are due to be heard in February or March next year.

Mr Gordon said: “During the past eight years more than £25m has been spent on the airport project and dozens of jobs were created in the process.

“However, in light of the current economic climate, I have been forced to take a long hard look at the finances.”

“The slight streamlining of our operations will produce the cost savings that we need to make but I am saddened that it means the loss of six jobs,” said Mr Gordon, who added that staff consultations on the restructuring were continuing this week.