Airport revival plan edges closer to take off

There could finally be “light at the end of the tunnel” for those behind ongoing efforts to re-open Doncaster Sheffield Airport (DSA), according to South Yorkshire’s Mayor Oliver Coppard.

The airport closed in November last year, with owners Peel Group claiming it was not commercially viable.

But a council-ordered financial viability assessment by consultancy giant EY found a re-opened airport could be profitable within five years – and deliver up to £1.5bn to the region in jobs and increased land value.

Now the Mayor’s Office and City of Doncaster Council are working on a deal with Peel Group to take on a 100-year lease on the site. If they succeed, this could see flights taking off again within two years.

They are currently seeking a private sector partner to operate the airport, with a deadline of 25 October for businesses to show an interest.

Commenting to The Mirror newspaper, Coppard said: “Since the future of Doncaster Sheffield Airport (DSA) was first threatened, we’ve always said we would do whatever we could to save our airport.

“The Government have given up on their promises to the north – from helping with DSA to HS2 – but we’re determined to make sure we stay connected.

“Thanks to the tireless work of people and partners across South Yorkshire it now looks like there could be light at the end of the tunnel.”