THE CLOSED Doncaster Sheffield Airport has revealed more on what to expect ahead of its predicted opening next year – including plans for five new airlines.
Having closed three years ago, Doncaster Mayor Ros Jones said they hope to reopen the airport by spring 2026.
3
When it reopens, it will be run by council-owned company FlyDoncaster (after the council signed an 125-year lease for the site) as well as Munich International Airport, who will provide operational and management services.
And council bosses have since said they are want “four to five airlines” to launch flights when they open.
Christian Foster, council programme director and director of FlyDoncaster, unveiled the ambitious plans at a council meeting last week.
Mr Foster said: “Working with our advisers from Munich we are very clear we want to target a number of airlines and have already been having those conversations for over 12 months with certain airlines.
“Having a strategy where you only have an airport with one airline doesn’t work for Doncaster and hence we want a minimum of four to five and that’s where we are working at.”
He also added: “We are very keen to get our airspace returned back to 24 hours for next year.”
Before its closure, the airport operated flights to destinations like Spain and Cyprus.
This included TUI, who has already hinted at offering flights from Doncaster Sheffield Airport when it opens up again.
A TUI spokesperson previously said: “TUI has always supported Doncaster Sheffield Airport, proudly flying customers from the region and were disappointed when the airport closed.
“We’re excited about actively engaging with stakeholders about a potential re-opening.”
Wizz Air also once operated from the airport, although axed its routes before its closure, which left just TUI flights running.
No other potential airlines for the reopening have been revealed.
Before it can reopen, it will need the airspace around the airport returned for use by the Civil Aviation Authority.
While this many sound like a big ask, Mr foster is “extremely confident” this will take place.
The airport also plans to quadruple the volume of freight traffic in a bid to boost its revenue.
Deborah Hogg, executive director of corporate resources for the council and a director of FlyDoncaster, added: “Because there is so much congestion elsewhere in particular relation to freight, this might provide a safety valve for bringing much-needed freight into the UK.”
3
A masterplan regarding its reopening is set to be published by the end of the month, reports the Yorkshire Post.
Sun Online Travel has contacted Doncaster Sheffield Airport for comment.
Previously named Robin Hood Airport, Doncaster Sheffield Airport opened in 2005.
At its peak, the Yorkshire-based airport had routes to nearly 50 destinations.
Two other UK airports with plans to reopen
Here are two other UK airports with relaunch plans.
- Plymouth Airport – Despite closing more than 13 years ago, the local council confirmed that it could one day reopen.
- Manston Airport – The Kent-based airport closed back in 2014 after it reported huge losses. Despite being closed for over a decade, airport bosses remain hopeful that passenger flights will one day resume, although it will need a huge overhaul
Earlier this week, residents who live near Doncaster Sheffield Airport expressed their excitement over its reopening.
And Plymouth Airport – which closed 13 years ago – could also reopen to the public, serving a million passengers a year.
3
