An airport in the UK that had closed due to the impact of the coronavirus crisis is on track to reopen following the approval of £160 million in funding.
The South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA) members have unanimously agreed to provide £159.52 million to the City of Doncaster Council to support the revival and operation of Doncaster Sheffield Airport (DSA). This decision has ensured Mayor of Doncaster Ros Jones’ commitment to reopening DSA, which ceased operations in 2022, as it was at risk of closure without this financial injection.
Expressing her excitement about the development, Mayor Jones stated: “Today marks a significant milestone in the history of our airport. We have taken a major step towards fully restoring our airport. While the success of the airport will take time, this investment is a long-term commitment to boost the Doncaster economy, create jobs, and offer opportunities for our residents and future generations.
“I want to extend my gratitude to the people of Doncaster. Over the past three years, the airport has been a topic of great interest in our community. This airport belongs to all of you; it will be a facility for the people. Let’s move forward and upward!”.
The immediate focus will now be on progressing the DSA project to resume flight operations.
Following the announcement that passenger flights might not restart until 2028, Mayor Jones indicated that Doncaster Council aims to have cargo flights operational by Summer 2026.
The Audit and Overview and Scrutiny committees led by Reform UK at Doncaster Council will convene to address the airport situation. Subsequently, Mayor Jones’ cabinet will review the matter ahead of the full council meeting in November 2025.
The airport, a key travel hub in the North, has been inactive since November 2022, with only TUI operating flights at that time. Peel Group had declared the airport nonviable and decided to cease operations.
TUI has hinted at a possible return to Doncaster Sheffield Airport, where it previously operated flights to Cyprus and Spain. A TUI spokesperson mentioned: “TUI has always been a supporter of Doncaster Sheffield Airport, serving customers from the region. We were disappointed by the airport’s closure and are keen to engage with stakeholders regarding a potential reopening.”
Airport authorities will need approval from the Civil Aviation Authority to resume commercial operations. Their plan includes quadrupling freight traffic to increase revenue.
Deborah Hogg, the executive director of corporate resources for the council and a director of FlyDoncaster, noted: