Airport set to reopen in 2026 as bidder identified
A bidder to reopen and run Doncaster Sheffield Airport has been identified, with the aim of having passenger flights taking off from spring 2026.
However, details of the bidder will remain confidential until further into the process as commercial negotiations are ongoing.
Legal and contract confirmation stages are now underway and are expected to be completed before Christmas this year.
City of Doncaster Council says it will next week ask South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA) for immediate release of a £3m financial package to continue commercial negotiations and help prepare timely activity on site.
A business case will be heard at SYMCA on 12 November, providing an endorsement of a referral to the Government’s Subsidy Advice Unit providing details of the proposed package of public support.
This request for support is part of Doncaster’s £138m gainshare from the SYMCA allocation. The funding is subject to the Subsidy Advice Unit with a decision expected in early January 2025.
The business case highlights what it describes as “the significant opportunities around the re-establishment of aviation within the region”.
It says this would create over 5,000 direct jobs and 6,500 indirect jobs and could boost the economy by £6.6bn once the airport is fully operational.
Doncaster Mayor Ros Jones said: “Reopening our airport is my number one priority and I am happy to announce that we have reached the major milestone of identifying the bidder to help us reopen our beloved airport.
“This current step in the reopening process is certainly great news.
“I appreciate people will want to know who the successful bidder is but at this time we must continue to have discussions with them on a strictly confidential basis. I will of course share who has been appointed when I can.
“I know our residents and businesses are keen for the airport to reopen and would want that to happen yesterday but please rest assured we are working as hard as possible to get the airport reopened with the aim of being operational by spring 2026.
“Our proposition is not just an airport but will be a hub for sustainable aviation related industry.
“South Yorkshire Airport City – the programme to reopen the airport – has incredible potential, to bring jobs and prosperity to Doncaster and the wider South Yorkshire region.”
She added that news is also awaited on the reinstatement of airspace, which is currently under consideration by the Civil Aviation Authority.
The airport has been the focus of intense efforts to re-open it since it was closed by owners Peel Group in November 2022. Peel Group had argued the airport was not financially viable.
