Senior councillors throw their weight behind airport reopening plans

The council’s Cabinet has supported work which has been underway during the last year and into 2023 to find a solution to reopening the site, which the council says could unlock millions of pounds worth of investment and jobs.

Jones and her cabinet members at their latest meeting heard that the airport is a “viable proposition” and could be in profit within five years of reopening, leading to increased prosperity for the city and the region.

South Yorkshire Airport City (SYAC) is the name of the programme to both reopen the airport – which was closed by its owner last year – and to develop a cluster of high value economic activity on the site including employment, retail and leisure.

Jones said “Reopening Doncaster Sheffield Airport is my number one priority. Finding a solution that would mean so much to local communities and businesses and underline our ambition as one of the UK’s newest cities is crucial.

“We are hopeful that a lease can be secured and look forward to working with interested parties in the reopening the airport.

“We have already initially tested the market for those industry experts who can partner with us to get the airport reopened as soon as we can.

“If we get the lease agreed then reopening the airport will not happen overnight of course but it would be a huge step forward.”

Cabinet supported the recommendations to put in place arrangements to sign a lease if it is agreed, as well as other requirements including potential funding support.