Only a few days ago, Time Out reported on a vote due to take place that would decide the future of Doncaster-Sheffield airport. Now, we can reveal that that vote has taken place – and that it’s a positive outcome for those wanting the air hub to reopen.
A hefty £138 million of taxpayer money has been freed up to go towards opening the small but beloved airport. The cash has been made available so that the local council can lease the site from its current owners and eventually see it reopen.
Doncaster-Sheffield only actually shut in late 2022 when WizzAir pulled all of its flights, leaving an ‘insufficient lack of current or prospective revenue streams’. That was despite it being named the UK’s best airport by Which? just a few months prior.
Following the vote on Tuesday, February 13, councillors celebrated the result as a ‘massive step forward’. On top of a £30m grant from the government, it’s a huge boost.
Oliver Coppard, mayor of South Yorkshire, told ITV News: ‘I’ve got every confidence that with the right operator, DSA should thrive. It’s got a huge asset in terms of the runway, the terminal is great, there are hangars there that could be part of a wider project around the sustainable aviation hub. That’s part of that wider South Yorkshire Airport City, about jobs and growth and opportunity for the whole of South Yorkshire.’
In terms of next steps, the council is ‘extremely hopeful’ that it will agree a lease deal with the owners of the airport. After that, they’ll need to appoint an operator. Don’t worry, we’ll be sure to keep you updated.
Meanwhile, there’s a whole load of other airport news you can catch up on here at Time Out. There’s this major airport that’s getting a makeover, plus Bournemouth Airport getting a £5m glow-up and Leeds-Bradford Airport currently in the early stages of a £100m upgrade. Then, there’s prospect of passport-free journeys and the end of the 100ml liquids rule (although these airports won’t be scrapping the restrictions this summer).
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