Funding approved for bid to reopen Doncaster Sheffield airport

A plan approved by South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (Symca) means an outline business case has been upgraded to full status now funding has been agreed. 

The combined local authorities want to lease the airport from its owners, Peel Group, which has refused to sell it despite closing it in October 2022.

The authorities propose a 10-year plan for the site, which will include a focus on sustainable aviation.

South Yorkshire’s mayor Oliver Coppard said: “We have taken the unanimous decision to move the plan for South Yorkshire Airport City and reopening DSA, from outline business case to full business case.”

A spokesperson added: "There’s no set timescale on when the full business case will be brought to the board. However, it’s hoped to be in the not too distant future."

Doncaster Sheffield’s closure was precipitated by Wizz Air’s abrupt cancellation of its base, which left the airport with only a single Tui aircraft stationed there.