Lydd Airport boss quits

Zaher Deir, managing director of Lydd / London Ashford Airport (LAA), has announced his resignation with immediate effect.

Mr Deir said he was departing "with deepest regret and sadness", citing differences with the shareholders and a member of the board of directors of LAA who are responsible for running the business.

He said:

"The board and I had different visions relating to the future direction of the airport and associated aviation services based here. It's regrettable that we cannot agree a united way forward and I felt it was time to hand over the reins to a new management team."

Mr Deir's replacement will be announced in due course.

Under Mr Deir's direction, LAA has submitted planning applications to Shepway District Council for a 294-metre runway extension together with an additional 150-metre starter extension (allowing regular jet services), and also for a new terminal building.

The runway extension is strongly opposed by many local residents, who voted overwhelmingly against the proposals in local polls, and action groups such as the Keep the Marsh Special Alliance (www.kmsa.org.uk).

A decision is expected from Shepway Council in the next few months.