‘All options’ to be explored to keep Doncaster Sheffield Airport open
The owners of Doncaster Sheffield Airport (DSA) have confirmed they will look at all options to keep the airport open for business.
The news comes following a meeting between The Peel Group and senior officers from Doncaster Council, South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA) and Doncaster Chamber of Commerce.
Last month it was revealed the airport’s future was under threat, after Peel Group said it would launch a consultation programme on the future of the site, warning “aviation activity on the site may no longer be commercially viable.”
A joint statement published by Doncaster Council Mayor Ros Jones and South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority Mayor Oliver Coppard now says Peel Group, “would be willing to consider a range of options that could result in the maintenance of aviation operations on the site.”
The statement continues: “There is a mutual recognition that the airport and wider Gateway East site are inextricably linked, and all viable options are still on the table for discussion, including the sale to another owner/operator.
“Each of the options will now be further investigated within the extremely tight consultation period Peel has set for its strategic review, with an acknowledgement that this may need to be extended.
“The urgency of this work cannot be underestimated and will be conducted at pace and commitment by Doncaster Council and the SYMCA.
“We have mobilised a number of groups including a business advisory board and our region’s MPs.
“We are now working closely with the Department for Transport and have jointly commissioned an economic impact assessment alongside our private sector partners to inform the best possible outcome for Doncaster Sheffield Airport, Doncaster and South Yorkshire.
“The region is also working with Government as we look for support with this nationally significant airport.
Our work continues and we will provide updates when they are available. We want to see the airport remain open.”
