A new airport.... South Yorkshire Airport City?

Doncaster Sheffield Airport Strategic Review Announcement​

Forums4airports discusses the latest press release from Doncaster Sheffield airport where the airport questions the future of the airport. The owners of the airport, the Peel Group have announced they are looking at their options as the group has decided the airport is no longer viable as an operational airport. Here's the press release:

"The Board of Doncaster Sheffield Airport (DSA) has begun a review of strategic options for the Airport. This review follows lengthy deliberations by the Board of DSA which has reluctantly concluded that aviation activity on the site may no longer be commercially viable.

DSA’s owner, the Peel Group, as the Airport’s principal funder, has reviewed the conclusions of the Board of DSA and commissioned external independent advice in order to evaluate and test the conclusions drawn, which concurs with the Board’s initial findings.

Since the Peel Group acquired the Airport site in 1999 and converted it into an international commercial airport, which opened in 2005, significant amounts have been invested in the terminal, the airfield and its operations, both in relation to the original conversion and subsequently to improve the facilities and infrastructure on offer to create an award winning airport.

However, despite growth in passenger numbers, DSA has never achieved the critical mass required to become profitable and this fundamental issue of a shortfall in passenger numbers is exacerbated by the announcement on 10 June 2022 of the unilateral withdrawal of the Wizz Air based aircraft, leaving the Airport with only one base carrier, namely TUI.

This challenge has been increased by other changes in the aviation market, the well-publicised impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and increasingly important environmental considerations. It has therefore been concluded that aviation activity may no longer be the use for the site which delivers the maximum economic and environmental benefit to the region. Against this backdrop, DSA and the Peel Group, will initiate a consultation and engagement programme with stakeholders on the future of the site and how best to maximise and capitalise on future economic growth opportunities for Doncaster and the wider Sheffield City Region.

The wider Peel Group is already delivering significant development and business opportunities on its adjoining GatewayEast development including the recent deal for over 400,000 sq ft logistics and advanced manufacturing development on site, creating hundreds of new jobs and delivering further economic investment in the region.

Robert Hough, Chairman of Peel Airports Group, which includes Doncaster Sheffield Airport, said: “It is a critical time for aviation globally. Despite pandemic related travel restrictions slowly drawing to a close, we are still facing ongoing obstacles and dynamic long-term threats to the future of the aviation industry. The actions by Wizz to sacrifice its base at Doncaster to shore up its business opportunities at other bases in the South of England are a significant blow for the Airport.

Now is the right time to review how DSA can best create future growth opportunities for Doncaster and for South Yorkshire. The Peel Group remains committed to delivering economic growth, job opportunities and prosperity for Doncaster and the wider region.”

DSA and the Peel Group pride themselves on being forward-thinking whilst prioritising the welfare of staff and customers alike. As such, no further public comments will be made whilst they undertake this engagement period with all stakeholders.
During the Strategic Review, the Airport will operate as normal. Therefore passengers who are due to travel to the airport, please arrive and check in as normal. If there are any disruptions with your flight, you will be contacted by your airline in good time.
For all press enquiries, please contact Charlotte Leach at [email protected]."

"Not great news for DSA or the region"

Should the government or local council foot the bill and provide a financial subsidy to keep the airport open, thoughts...?

 

Although Peel have secured all sorts of public monies to build link roads etc. which now enhance the sale price of the airport land for Peel, there is no doubt that the region still benefits, as that infrastructure now makes the airport land more attractive to new industries, warehousing and possibly housing too. The new industries will bring more jobs, and given the area involved, probably more than the 800 jobs lost at DSA. The region will still benefit but in a different way, and of course, there will be a significant gap between airport closure and money coming in from new developments on site.

People forget though that had it not been for Peel Holdings, there wouldn't even be a DSA. They built it into what it is, despite being told up front that it wasn't needed and was unlikely to succeed. They threw their money into it for 17 years - a gamble that failed. It's funny to hear people saying that DSA fell into the wrong hands. Without Peel it would have been warehousing and industry and housing years ago! They developed it, and it's theirs to do with as they see fit - the down side of private enterprise.

It would have been a prison, and there would have been weeds growing through the cracks in what remained of the hard standings. I think it’s quoted that Peel directly invested something like £250million into turning the old military airfield into a fully functioning commercial airport. As I said over the last couple of months. Peel never set out for this, but it was always in their back pocket should things not go to plan.

 

The latest from the BBC is that MPs, who are clearly becoming more and more desperate, have now demanded in a letter that the Government block the closure of DSA because the Police aircraft are based there, claiming that closing it and forcing the police aircraft to relocate will 'cost lives'!

This claim is ludicrous. There are numerous 24H airports the police and MoD etc can relocate to. Asking the Government to block the closure on the grounds that this is a National Emergency is, frankly, ridiculous. DSA is running down operations, not just throwing the Police out in 4 weeks. Or Excel Aviation.. They need to find an alternative base, yes, but claiming this is a National Emergency smacks of hysteria.

And of course, it's the good old BBC publishing this. There's no doubt now that Auntie Beeb is very cross indeed that it's favourite airport is closing down. It's become a daily event now that they chase the Government to step in. Meanwhile, Peel Holdings are saying nothing to clarify their closure schedule or comment on the increasing pressure for Government intervention..

 

It’s funny that these MPs only intervene/ get concerned about the airport when it closes. When the airports been open they couldn’t care less about it and jump on the climate bandwagon

The police planes can be moved to another airport. It’s not that difficult. EMA seems ideal but to me that’s open 24hrs (Due to cargo traffic)

 

Not that I think they will, or really can, step in but if the government do anything then it would be very hypocritical after what happened with the LBA terminal! As White Heather has alluded to the longer term benefit with alternative industry on the site as opposed to a white elephant of an airport surely makes a lot of sense for the economic benefit of the region. Aviation also doesn’t lose out as a whole, it just means airports like EMA and LBA get unexpected boosts

 

It's ironic that the DSA website still proclaims DSA to be the UKs No 1 airport! Perhaps not.

Therein lies the problem. It was a popular airport for those who used it, and with good reason. New terminal, lots of space due to not having lots of passengers. I would bet that Peel would have gladly swopped their status with LBA who regularly get slaughtered on line and in the press for having more passengers than the terminal can currently cope with.

All of this shows the somewhat pathetic attitude of MPs generally. In South Yorkshire they are doing everything to try to stop the closure of DSA despite its inability to attract airlines and passengers yet here, 40 miles up the road, MPs from the same party did all they could to destroy the future of LBA and the same Government being asked to save DSA did nothing to assist LBA in
developing a new terminal either, despite £150m of private investment into the region.

The BBC are as two faced as Government and MPs are, desperately supporting DSA yet last year highlighting emissions, noise, traffic and anything else they could think of to undermine LBAs new terminal scheme.

It seems now, according to reports, that Richard Branson may well have been approached by the South Yorkshire Mayor but he is not part of any consortium nor in discussions to buy DSA.

It would be interesting to know the asking price by Peel to a) purchase DSA as an operational airport and b) the land value for alternative use, cos I bet they have had it valued. They will be looking to get the most they can now to recover their losses over the past 20 years nearly, in terms of development costs and running costs since. I guess such information will never be published though.

Meanwhile, the employees at DSA remain in limbo, with an uncertain future. We can only wish them good fortune and that the find new employment quickly.

 

I do hope they develop Doncaster Sheffield Airport like RAF Swinderby where the old technical site is all commercial and the accommodation area after knocking down all the single accommodation blocks has been transformed into housing shops and a school and not like RAF Faldingworth and RAF Binbrook where no shops have been open and no new housing built

 

After a two day holiday, BBC Look North are back on the DSA case again this lunchtime with it being their lead item.

Apparently, the SY Mayor says that despite the promises of the PM, he hasn't heard anything at all from her or anyone in Government, a whole week after she said she would do what she can.

No surprise there then particularly since Liz seems to have other issues on her mind right now and a Conference going on in Birmingham. The Transport Minister has however said it's a matter for the local authority to sort out, apparently not intending to get involved. Rosie Winterton MP was also on, playing the DSA is of strategic security and military importance card and that it's not just a commercial airport.

It doesn't look like anyone is listening.

 

LT could soon be fighting for her own survival, so as is said, not sure survival of DSA is high on her agenda - if indeed it ever really was. And suspect no one is really listening because however much local bias there may be towards DSA it doesn’t take away from the fact it is unprofitable

 

Look North covered it again this evening having their roving reporter outside the terminal. She was on for maybe 3 or 4 minutes with the terminal visible behind. I couldn't help notice that during that time, not one person was visible going into or out of the terminal, or even entering camera shot, nor were there any vehicle movements. In fact the terminal looked empty and closed. I know it isn't, but it sort of highlighted the problem DSA has. To the uninformed, it would have appeared to have already closed down at the time of the live report (1830-1835).

 

Look North covered it again this evening having their roving reporter outside the terminal. She was on for maybe 3 or 4 minutes with the terminal visible behind. I couldn't help notice that during that time, not one person was visible going into or out of the terminal, or even entering camera shot, nor were there any vehicle movements. In fact the terminal looked empty and closed. I know it isn't, but it sort of highlighted the problem DSA has. To the uninformed, it would have appeared to have already closed down at the time of the live report (1830-1835).

But how many more UK airports would be the same around that time in October that are the size of DSA or smaller a fair few. Wednesday historically has been the worst day of the week for movements.

 

It was cringe TV White Heather. DSA has had more air time than the queens funeral.

So many factually inaccurate comments with deluded MP’s and councillors. The comment re it been a a strategic airport is simply ridiculous. Yes in the original Cold War period when an RAF air base.

Perhaps those commenting it is easy to use, friendly and spacious should understand that this is issue with the airport. It’s simple economics, I might like my local restaurant and people might be sad if it closed, but if nobody uses it then it can’t justify staying open. It’s a problem in the UK, the heart over rules the brain. In retrospect it might turn out to be a godsend with other industries moving in employing far more than the 800 people who have, sadly, lost their jobs. I feel for them but that is sometimes life.

 

But how many more UK airports would be the same around that time in October that are the size of DSA or smaller a fair few. Wednesday historically has been the worst day of the week for movements.

I guess that depends as October still has a fair few summer flights operating and with October half term holidays I’d expect many people to travel then. Wednesday always is quiet as it’s the middle of the week when many prefer to travel at the beginning/end of the week and weekends.

 

Look North covered it again this evening having their roving reporter outside the terminal. She was on for maybe 3 or 4 minutes with the terminal visible behind. I couldn't help notice that during that time, not one person was visible going into or out of the terminal, or even entering camera shot, nor were there any vehicle movements. In fact the terminal looked empty and closed. I know it isn't, but it sort of highlighted the problem DSA has. To the uninformed, it would have appeared to have already closed down at the time of the live report (1830-1835).

I understand where you’re coming from, but as @Rob c DSA has just stated, a lot of airports are quieter at this time of year, especially on a Wednesday.
If you were clever when filming, at LBA for example, there was only one departure yesterday during a 3 hour stretch in the middle of the day… from 11:30 to 14:30 - I’m sure you could make that look quiet too?!

Let’s not forget, DSA handles more passengers than INV, nearly double that of BOH, SOU, CWL, and over triple that of EXT, NWI, NQY, PIK etc.
DSA may have been badly run, but I’m not sure it was necessarily a “failure” or unfit for business and therefore had to close.
Those in the industry don’t want to see any of these airports I’ve named close, including DSA, and there’s no reason for them too either…. Competition is a good thing in life, especially in aviation. Now Yorkshire residents can look forward to higher fares, longer distances to drive, and less options in flights.

 

But you surely need to understand that it’s peel’s decision to close the airport. They’re the owners and don’t forget there might not have been a DSA of it wasn’t for them. And I agree with you that nobody wants any airports to close.

As mentioned Wednesday is quiet as it’s the middle of the week and many prefer travel at the begging/end of week and weekends.

I’m sure BRS has its quiet periods also. (Since it’s your nearest airport)

 

I understand where you’re coming from, but as @Rob c DSA has just stated, a lot of airports are quieter at this time of year, especially on a Wednesday.
If you were clever when filming, at LBA for example, there was only one departure yesterday during a 3 hour stretch in the middle of the day… from 11:30 to 14:30 - I’m sure you could make that look quiet too?!

Let’s not forget, DSA handles more passengers than INV, nearly double that of BOH, SOU, CWL, and over triple that of EXT, NWI, NQY, PIK etc.
DSA may have been badly run, but I’m not sure it was necessarily a “failure” or unfit for business and therefore had to close.
Those in the industry don’t want to see any of these airports I’ve named close, including DSA, and there’s no reason for them too either…. Competition is a good thing in life, especially in aviation. Now Yorkshire residents can look forward to higher fares, longer distances to drive, and less options in flights.

I agree generally, BUT - airports are a business. They have to be profitable, not loss making. They are there to provide a gateway for passengers, but equally they need the business to fund the running of the airport. It's not a charity. So, given that DSA hasn't made a penny profit in 17 years and apparently has no way of changing that in the forseeable future, according to Peel, then in reality, it has been a failure. When new, Peel claimed in 10 years it would be Yorkshire's main airport. After 17 years, the gap between DSA and LBA is bigger than ever. Airlines have come to DSA, almost certainly subsidised, and airlines have gone. That doesn't suggest anything other than DSA being a failure. Whether that's entirely due to the airports location or down to bad management by Peel, I couldn't say, but ultimately, Peel built it, Peel failed to grow it sufficiently to even break even in any year, and Peel have decided it's time to recover their losses

I understand all airports have quiet times, particularly smaller ones on Wednesdays, but today DSA looked like they had already shut up shop. There wasn't a soul to be seen anywhere, not a single vehicle moving at all. I would suggest that's unusual at any airport. There's usually something going on even if there are no flights due.

 

I understand where you’re coming from, but as @Rob c DSA has just stated, a lot of airports are quieter at this time of year, especially on a Wednesday.
If you were clever when filming, at LBA for example, there was only one departure yesterday during a 3 hour stretch in the middle of the day… from 11:30 to 14:30 - I’m sure you could make that look quiet too?!

Let’s not forget, DSA handles more passengers than INV, nearly double that of BOH, SOU, CWL, and over triple that of EXT, NWI, NQY, PIK etc.
DSA may have been badly run, but I’m not sure it was necessarily a “failure” or unfit for business and therefore had to close.
Those in the industry don’t want to see any of these airports I’ve named close, including DSA, and there’s no reason for them too either…. Competition is a good thing in life, especially in aviation. Now Yorkshire residents can look forward to higher fares, longer distances to drive, and less options in flights.

I don’t think your final points are appropriate given the vast majority of people who are kicking up a stink about DSA closing are saying it wasn’t popular because it’s too expensive.

I know it’s impossible to accurately state what would have happened had DSA not been built, but the time it opened was a significant transitional phase in the industry and one that HUY, EMA and LBA were poised to take advantage of. Obviously in the case of HUY that wasn’t to be, but in that sense what exactly did DSA bring to the region? How has DSA driven down fares for the Yorkshire folk? Has it really stopped journeys across the Pennines? Are you suggesting that if DSA wasn’t built TUI would not have expanded at one of their best selling regional departure points that was majority owned by MAG?

I do think it’s horrid what is happening with DSA right now, but I think the writing was on the wall once they realised that it was not going to match LPL in success. Sadly it’s wholly owned by a property development company that see its financial (and regional economic) place is in non aviation use.

 

Not sure if been said (and a lot has been said...) Oil Spill relocating to Cardiff.

Any word on G-UNET?

 

Not sure if been said (and a lot has been said...) Oil Spill relocating to Cardiff.

Any word on G-UNET?

Just came on to post this. Aeros Flight Training will relocate to Church Fenton as confirmed last night. Rumours suggest the Navajos of the 2Excel coastguard contract may relocate to Humberside. So that just leaves the NPAS service and the two flying clubs to announce their intentions. Suspect the flying clubs will head to Sandtoft, NPAS and the remaining 2Excel stuff would be ideal at Humberside but remains to be seen whether they are actively trying to attract that business over.

 

I would bet that Yorkshire Aeroplane Club will now be wondering if moving from LBA after so many years there, to DSA, was a good move, as now they need another new home..

 

Isn't LBA a tad too busy these days for light aircraft to be clogging up the circuit?