Doncaster Sheffield Airport Reopening Plans Welcomed by Campaigners and Businesses

The prospect of Doncaster Sheffield Airport resuming operations by spring 2026 has been met with approval from both advocacy groups and local entrepreneurs. On Monday, the City of Doncaster Council announced the identification of a new operator, suggesting that initial passenger services could commence within 18 months. The airport had been dormant since November 2022, following its owners, Peel Group, declaring it financially unsustainable. With the facility now poised for reopening after an extensive campaign, the BBC interviewed individuals expressing their satisfaction with this development. Craig Dowie, who operates The Crown Hotel in Bawtry, located only a few miles from the terminal, recalled that his immediate action upon purchasing the property 18 years ago was to consult airlines regarding his £1 million renovation plans. He stated, “We had a meeting at Luton Airport with Britannia Airways and said ‘what do you want at the hotel?'” Dowie elaborated, “We worked hand in hand with the airlines to make the hotel they desired. We changed and adapted our business to the needs of the client, so when the airport closed it was tough.” He characterized Monday’s announcement as “fantastic news”. Dowie affirmed, “The economic impact is massive.” He continued, “We have come off the back of two really bad years, with interest rates and inflation, but all of a sudden we have some green shoots.” He emphasized, “The mere fact that there is an operator means the economic impact and confidence will start immediately.” Dowie noted the timeline, stating, “It will be 18 months until the first flight but people will notice a difference as jobs will rise from day one and that is the most important part.” He also highlighted the broader scope of the airport’s functions: “The airport is not just about passengers, you have the maintenance crews, the cargo and all the other operations affiliated with the aviation industry.” Concluding, he added, “That is the big part for us – people getting jobs, the economic impact and having a buzz around not just Doncaster, but the wider region.” Mark Chadwick, a member of the Save Doncaster Airport group, commented: “I think the new operator will be a success because we don’t have Peel Holdings in charge now.” He further remarked on the previous owners, stating, “This is the third airport they have tried to close or sell on but the new operator has the appetite for continuing with the airport.” Chadwick also provided details on the selection process: “There were 35 interested parties originally and when the council went to source an operator that came down to 16. It took a year to find these suitable applicants so they are not messing about.” He expressed his hope that the airport would once again facilitate long-haul flights, recalling its previous routes to America and Mexico. He commented, “We don’t know [where they will fly] but the opportunities are there, this is absolutely brilliant news, just superb.” Ros Jones, the Mayor of Doncaster, confirmed that negotiations with the unnamed operator are in their conclusive phases. The airport’s reopening efforts remain dependent on securing financial support, specifically a request for £3 million from the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority. Furthermore, an application submitted to the Civil Aviation Authority to re-establish the airspace surrounding the site is currently under consideration. Dan Fell, chief executive of Doncaster Chamber, nonetheless described this as a “significant milestone.” Fell stated, “This is incredibly heartening news, not only for Doncaster but for the wider region too.” He further elaborated, “Successful economies need successful airports in order to thrive and so the return of Doncaster Sheffield naturally has massive implications for South Yorkshire.”