Huge boost for closed UK airport set to reopen as early as next spring under £30million plans

The Sun

a day ago

A long‑shuttered UK airport has been handed a massive boost - with ministers unlocking £30million to get planes taking off again as early as next spring.
Doncaster Sheffield Airport, which closed in 2022 after its owners said it wasn't viable, is now firmly on the comeback trail following the Transport Secretary's visit to Leeds.
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The City of Doncaster Council has a relaunch blueprint, with government cash on the table for critical works, and key approvals are being lined up so passengers can be back in the terminal by spring 2026.
During a visit to Leeds, Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander told The Yorkshire Post that the two mayors have effectively demonstrated how crucial the airport is to the region's economy.
She praised the strong business case for reinstating DSA, highlighting the "really strong case for how central this airport is to the region's economy' and emphasising her commitment to ensuring the project's success.
What's happened
A £30m support package has been lined up to help fund the airport's return to service.
The council is advancing a long‑term deal to secure the site and appoint an experienced operator to run day‑to‑day operations.
Technical work to restore the airfield, security, and passenger facilities is being scoped to enable swift implementation once contracts are signed.
DSA was a lifeline for South Yorkshire and the north Midlands, with sun routes to Spain, Portugal, and Cyprus, plus growing cargo potential.
'The case to reopen Doncaster Sheffield Airport is really strong,' the Transport Secretary said in an interview, adding that she 'stands ready' to make sure the project is a success.
That political tailwind, combined with the funding, is exactly what the restart needed.
The project is forecast to support around 5,000 jobs when fully up and running, and deliver billions in economic benefits by 2050.
Reopening eases pressure on nearby hubs like Manchester, East Midlands, and Leeds Bradford, cutting long road trips for families across Yorkshire, Nottinghamshire, and Lincolnshire.
When could flights return?
The target on the table is spring 2026.
That's the earliest realistic window for passenger services to restart once the operator is in place and all sign‑offs are secured.
There's a lot to do — but the runway is there, the site layout is proven, and the political will (plus cash) is now behind it.
What the £30m will pay for
Safety and compliance kit: Upgrading firefighting cover, security screening, and perimeter systems so the airport meets current rules.
Airfield and airspace: Refreshing runway lighting, signage, and navigational aids; re‑establishing air traffic control and airspace procedures.
Terminal readiness: Bringing passenger areas back into use, reinstating baggage systems, and installing modern CT scanners at security.
Recruitment and training: Hiring and training specialist staff, including firefighters, ATC, security, and ops teams.
Start‑up costs: Getting the airport company set up to trade and covering early operating expenses before revenue ramps up.
Why DSA closed
The airport, formerly RAF Finningley and later Robin Hood Airport, shut in late 2022 after owner Peel Group said it couldn't secure a sustainable future.
Airlines had pulled back after the pandemic, and the business struggled to carry the costs of a long runway and large site with reduced traffic.
The closure sparked a huge public campaign, with the council and regional leaders pledging to fight for a reopening under new stewardship.
What's changed now
The City of Doncaster Council has been working on a long-term agreement with the airport's owner to ensure its future and to bring in an experienced operator.
With a £30 million commitment, the project now has the financial backing needed to transition from discussions to concrete actions.
This funding will cover the necessary works and approvals that airlines and regulators require.
The target date for relaunching the airport is set for spring 2026, which provides a clear focus for everyone involved.
The council will announce which operator will manage daily airport services.
The Civil Aviation Authority must also approve the aerodrome license, security program, and air traffic control arrangements.
Airlines will need to allocate aircraft and establish schedules, with initial discussions expected to involve leisure and low-cost carriers.
It's also imperative to recruit and train airport firefighters, security personnel, ground handlers, and air traffic controllers.
Prior to welcoming passengers, the airport will also need to conduct calibration flights and live trials.
What this means for travellers
Shorter journeys: Families across South Yorkshire, North Nottinghamshire and Lincolnshire could swap 90‑minute drives to Manchester for a quick hop to Doncaster.
Easier parking: A mid‑size regional airport typically offers cheaper, closer parking and a simpler terminal experience.
More choice: If airlines return in numbers, competition could sharpen fares on popular summer routes.
But a note of realism: flight timetables won't appear overnight. Airlines publish schedules several seasons in advance, so the first public bookings will drop once launch partners are locked in and the CAA has given the green light.
Jobs boost on the horizon
Airport reopenings bring a ripple effect of employment - not just security and check‑in, but engineers, ground handling, catering, cleaning, retail, taxi firms, hotels, and logistics.
With a full operation, the site and wider supply chain could support thousands of roles.
Recruitments will phase in as launch day nears; local skills bodies are expected to link up training so candidates are ready to step in.
What about the old 'Robin Hood' name?
Branding will be confirmed closer to reopening.
The airport traded as Doncaster Sheffield before closure, after moving away from 'Robin Hood.'
Expect a name that puts the location front and centre for airlines and passengers - consistency matters when you're back on global booking systems.
Airports are more than departure lounges.
They're magnets for investment - logistics hubs, tech firms, aerospace, and advanced manufacturing.
With the right operator and a sensible route map, DSA can become a genuine growth engine for South Yorkshire, pulling jobs and visitors into the area and giving local businesses faster access to customers across Europe.