IT WILL cost £20 a week, or £5 a day, to park at Kent International, Manston, the lowest airport charges in the South East.

As the airport gears up for the launch of flights by the low-cost airline EUJet on September 1, bosses confirmed the cost to passengers for parking in a new 1,000-space area close to the terminal building.

They claim the weekly charge is significantly cheaper than Heathrow (£66.50), Gatwick (£39.20), Stansted (£46.90) and Luton (£57.00).

EUjet chief executive P J McGoldrick said it was important for passengers to be offered a keenly priced travel package.

He said: "We are now able to offer excellent value air fares to a wide range of European destinations teamed with equally good value car parking. Passengers can see clearly that they will be getting a good deal across the board.

"Customer research shows it's not much good having a best buy flight if you cannot also get best value car parking and that's just what we now have on offer at Kent International."

Capacity exists to extend the car park to accommodate up to 2,000 vehicles as passenger demand increases.

Airport director Alastair Robertson added: "Having parking so close to the terminal and check-in desks is a big advantage. You leave the car park and the check-in hall is right in front of you."

EUJet begins flights on September 1 with a 6.15am flight to Amsterdam Schiphol. Four routes will be served initially, building up to 22 by Christmas. There will eventually be 60 arrivals and departures every day by Fokker-100 aircraft.