A vital update to the Doncaster Sheffield Airport reopening case has been announced, with South Yorkshire leaders approving £3 million in funding to regenerate the hub, aimed to assist with infrastructure and CAA accreditation.
“This is another successful stage completed in our plan to see planes take off from Doncaster once again,” said Mayor of Doncaster Ros Jones. “This support from South Yorkshire Mayoral Authority (SYMCA) and South Yorkshire leaders is critical in helping us to reopen our airport and realise the incredible potential for Doncaster, South Yorkshire and the wider region. I would like to thank them for their unanimous support. We have identified a bidder to manage and operate the airport as we aim to see passenger flights return in Spring 2026.”
The process has been tumultuous since the closing of the airport, with a Business Case assessment highlighting the local need for the airport earlier in the year and a 125-year lease agreement signed with the owners of the site, but the airport is now awaiting the finalisation of the last step: an operator. SYMCA and the City of Doncaster Council are working together to reach the hopeful 2026 start-date, however discussions are still taking place regarding public control and investment. The negotiations stem from the nature of investments that the airport has received, leading to SYMCA and the Mayor needing to judge the level of public control of future decisions.
“I remain completely committed to reopening Doncaster Sheffield Airport and creating a world leading sustainable aviation hub,” commented South Yorkshire’s Mayor, Oliver Coppard. “That’s why, together with the MCA board, we have authorised the release of £3m for City of Doncaster Council in support of their plans for the airport. This money is part of the £138m that South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority have already committed to releasing, subject to the right deal being struck with the right partner. DSA and the wider Gateway East site has huge potential to play a leading role in the economic regeneration of South Yorkshire and the North of England, which is why it’s so important we get this right. The deal we sign must offer a secure future for our airport, create growth in the economy, and offer real value for taxpayers.”
Photo: SYMCA
