Plan to buy Doncaster Sheffield Airport approved

Plans to bring Doncaster Sheffield Airport (DSA) under public ownership have been approved, marking a major step to it reopening.

On Tuesday, South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA) agreed to buy the airport and adjacent Innovation Quarter employment land from current landowner Peel.

The decision means SYMCA will become the freehold owner and landlord to the City of Doncaster Council lease.

Mayor Oliver Coppard said he wanted to thank everyone involved for their efforts, especially the public whose support had been "incredibly effective" in bringing the airport back into public ownership.

He added: "Today is a big step on the journey to reopening Doncaster Sheffield Airport and building a world leading sustainable aviation hub at Gateway East."

"We've had to work incredibly hard to get here.

"After months of negotiations with Peel, and the greater flexibility and confidence we now have as a result of devolution, we've reached a deal that I genuinely believe can offer huge opportunity to people across South Yorkshire."

Coppard said there was "still work to do", including Peel formally approving the deal and legal processes to go through.

He added: "My focus is now on getting our airport open, creating thousands of good jobs and realising the massive potential of one of South Yorkshire's biggest economic opportunities, so everyone here can stay near and go far."

The airport closed in November 2022 and since then, City of Doncaster Council has been working to reopen it with public funds after attempts to find a private operator were unsuccessful.

Originally Peel Land was going to lease the site but, over the last 12 months, negotiations have continued to explore options.

Buying the airport from Peel means local authorities will own both DSA and Fly Doncaster Ltd, the arm's-length company set up by City of Doncaster Council to run the airport.

Mayor of Doncaster Ros Jones said: "From day one, I pledged to do everything I could to save our airport because I truly believe that is the right thing for Doncaster.

"Fully reopening the people's airport is my number one priority and one that I have continued to fight for along with the steadfast support of our communities, businesses and local campaigners."

Freight services are planned to return from autumn 2027, with passenger services returning in spring 2028, subject to the regulatory and operational work required to reopen the airport.

Dan Fell, chief executive of Doncaster Chamber, welcomed the agreement and said SYMCA's decision to buy the freehold as a strong vote of confidence in the airport's future.

"As the project's funders, its willingness to make this commitment should help build confidence among prospective carriers, commercial partners and investors considering commitments of their own.

"That confidence matters. Airlines need certainty when planning routes, partners need confidence to build their operations, and investors need to know that South Yorkshire is serious about delivering this project."

Stephen Wild, Managing Director of Peel Land, said: "We note the outcome of today's meeting and will continue to work jointly with SYMCA to seek to finalise the transaction."

City of Doncaster Council's cabinet is due to meet on 28 October to discuss the transitional arrangements.

Meanwhile, Coppard will host a public meeting at 18:00 GMT on 9 November at the Club Doncaster Sports Village to provide an update on DSA and answer questions from the public.

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