A UK airport that has been closed since 2022 may see its runways open again by spring 2026.
Doncaster Sheffield Airport is making significant progress toward reopening, with local leaders and stakeholders pushing hard to revive the regional asset.
Originally opened in 2005 and later named one of the UK’s top airports, Doncaster Sheffield was a popular gateway to sunny destinations like Spain, Cyprus, and other European hotspots.
At its peak, the airport served up to 2.8 million passengers annually and offered flights to as many as 50 destinations.
However, in late 2022, its owners, Peel Group, shuttered the site, deeming it financially unviable to continue operations.
Despite this, regional leaders refused to give up on the airport’s future, citing its importance for regional connectivity, tourism, and the local economy.
Ros Jones, the Mayor of Doncaster, shared her optimism for the airport’s future, announcing a “major milestone” had been achieved on the path to reopening.
“Please rest assured we are working as hard as possible to get the airport reopened with the aim of being operational by spring 2026,” she said.
With this timeline, flights could resume in just 18 months.
In support of the airport’s revival, the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority has been asked to contribute £3 million toward the reopening efforts.
SYMCA said: “Given the significant levels of investment, the Mayor and the rest of the SYMCA board remain determined to ensure an appropriate level of public control over decisions impacting the future of the airport and to take as much time as necessary to get the deal right.”
A crucial step in the reopening process involves re-establishing airspace rights for DSA, a task overseen by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA).
According to Mayor Jones, retaining access to the airport’s dedicated airspace is essential for ensuring that commercial airlines can operate out of Doncaster Sheffield once again.
The CAA’s work could take between 12 to 18 months, aligning with the 2026 reopening target.
In anticipation of a revived airport, international travel provider TUI has already expressed interest in resuming flights from Doncaster Sheffield.
A spokesperson for TUI said: “TUI has always supported Doncaster Sheffield Airport, proudly flying customers from the region, and we were disappointed when the airport closed. We’re excited about actively engaging with stakeholders about a potential re-opening.”
The local council has also taken steps to secure the airport’s future, signing a 125-year lease for the site in collaboration with Peel Group.
While the new airport operator has yet to be named, officials are confident that a strong partnership will secure Doncaster Sheffield’s future as a regional airport.
If successful, Doncaster Sheffield Airport would join other UK airports looking to re-enter the commercial aviation space, including Manston Airport in Kent and Plymouth Airport, which closed more than a decade ago but is also exploring a potential reopening.
