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...?

 

I didn't see it, but I'm told that this morning, Look North who are DSA's No 1 fan club, did another report on the plans to reopen, and it was stated that the Council are now approaching airlines asking them to commit to operating from DSA.

Good luck with that!

It’s operators I believe, 15 lined up but how many will still remain at the end of the official tender process?

Still a lot of variables. Will Peel agree to the lease? Will the costs of reopening be prohibitive, and if not will the council be able to source the funding? Will the interested operators actually want to commit?

The other stuff, Airspace I can’t see CAA holding on too long. They’ve confirmed there will be a delay presumably awaiting SOS sign off. That said, the airspace will change anyway based on the realistic traffic projections.

Think airlines will be way down the list of priorities as things stand, it will be the responsibility of a budding operator to do those kind of talks as they will be ‘experienced’ in it.

If this goes ahead and it does reopen I can see CDC being in a similar position to Birmingham City Council in ten years. There’s a reason why CDC are negotiating an early termination clause…

 

It’s operators I believe, 15 lined up but how many will still remain at the end of the official tender process?

Still a lot of variables. Will Peel agree to the lease? Will the costs of reopening be prohibitive, and if not will the council be able to source the funding? Will the interested operators actually want to commit?

The other stuff, Airspace I can’t see CAA holding on too long. They’ve confirmed there will be a delay presumably awaiting SOS sign off. That said, the airspace will change anyway based on the realistic traffic projections.

Think airlines will be way down the list of priorities as things stand, it will be the responsibility of a budding operator to do those kind of talks as they will be ‘experienced’ in it.

If this goes ahead and it does reopen I can see CDC being in a similar position to Birmingham City Council in ten years. There’s a reason why CDC are negotiating an early termination clause…

Thanks Pug. It was a friend told me and he must've got hold of the wrong end of the stick. He often does!

 

I think we are talking about 15 potential airport operators rather than airlines. The word 'potential' should be stressed!

 

I think we are talking about 15 potential airport operators rather than airlines. The word 'potential' should be stressed!

True, and I should rephrase my previous comment. Of course only one would exist at the end of the intended official tender process. However I’m wondering how many would be prepared to commit to this project without some serious financial backing from elsewhere?

Didn’t we see a similar agreement between Teesside and Stobart? That didn’t last long at all. Either way, the Council will have to dig deep and source some long term funding to get this off the ground.

 

Its all if buts and maybes and todays news is something i feel nothing new from what we already knew/understood? 15 operators? why has it been over a year now and not a sniff of interest? Ive seen one post on social media saying LBA was interested in it? how credible is this or is it laughable?

 

Its all if buts and maybes and todays news is something i feel nothing new from what we already knew/understood? 15 operators? why has it been over a year now and not a sniff of interest? Ive seen one post on social media saying LBA was interested in it? how credible is this or is it laughable?

I think whoever posted that about LBA may have crossed wires as they are interested in the airspace. Let’s face it though, if the owners of LBA decided they have had enough of the constraints at LBA and they could shift it all across to Doncaster (with full stakeholder support) then that is the only way Doncaster could reopen and show real sustainable growth and viability. I know this is an unpopular opinion on here but if this happened they would have my unwavering support.

As things stand there are going to be huge start up costs and huge subsidy requirements with a faith that the airport will miraculously become successful (and therefore financially self sufficient) in a reasonably short period of time. Chances of that happening? Well, I wouldn’t bet my mortgage on it.

It’s easy, if you have the money, to find an ‘aviation consultancy’ to run through all sorts of theoretical stuff like catchment areas etc and write a detailed report telling you what you (and any audit/accountancy firm) want to hear. It’s another thing entirely getting private sector investment in something that has already proven lack of viability, regional airports and airlines are about as high risk an investment you can make.

 

Thanks Pug, all in all again, this is news is nothing I presumed we already didn’t know? We all know they have been desperately finding an operator? For over a year? Be very interesting to see which other airlines apart from TUI they’re trying to get firm commitment from considering it’s a non existent airport. Throughout the years we all know DSA has had: TUI, TCX, EZY, FR, W6, W9, BE, EI, BH and the only airline is being a success is was TUI and Wizz Europe. There’s nobody left who would be interested.

 

Thanks Pug, all in all again, this is news is nothing I presumed we already didn’t know? We all know they have been desperately finding an operator? For over a year? Be very interesting to see which other airlines apart from TUI they’re trying to get firm commitment from considering it’s a non existent airport. Throughout the years we all know DSA has had: TUI, TCX, EZY, FR, W6, W9, BE, EI, BH and the only airline is being a success is was TUI and Wizz Europe. There’s nobody left who would be interested.

Ah but the leader of the Save DSA claims to have the support of 26000 people - many of whom seem to claim they will not go on holiday until DSA is open (yet provide a running commentary on a daily basis of how rubbish LBA, EMA, MAN are) cos DSA is round the corner. So there you are, that’s 52000 people travelling through the airport when it opens. Or if they have a family of four you might get to the level of Humberside. Orr, are the shouting minority the only ones who really, truly care where they fly from when they head off to Benidorm for a week?

I know I’ve long since turned this thread into an echo chamber, but I believe we collectively have a reasonable grasp on the situation. Who knows, perhaps the Council really do have all the contacts and Peel will be scratching their heads wondering where they went wrong…

 

Let’s face it though, if the owners of LBA decided they have had enough of the constraints at LBA and they could shift it all across to Doncaster (with full stakeholder support) then that is the only way Doncaster could reopen and show real sustainable growth and viability. I know this is an unpopular opinion on here but if this happened they would have my unwavering support.

I've said all way along only way it would work is for LBA to say enough is enough with issues of their current location and relocate to DSA lock stock and barrel. Especially with railway station to be built at Finningley.
If LBA approached Peel and say do you want to do a swap deal we take 100% freehold of DSA and you can have the LBA site.
That could work very well for all concerned and might be the only way that Peel would give up the DSA freehold. Especially with space to expand terminal and stand space at DSA. Also aircraft stands can be increased significantly at DSA compared to LBA. Less population on flight path could make better expansion.

Welcome to
Doncaster Leeds Bradford Airport

 

I've said all way along only way it would work is for LBA to say enough is enough with issues of their current location and relocate to DSA lock stock and barrel. Especially with railway station to be built at Finningley.
If LBA approached Peel and say do you want to do a swap deal we take 100% freehold of DSA and you can have the LBA site.
That could work very well for all concerned and might be the only way that Peel would give up the DSA freehold. Especially with space to expand terminal and stand space at DSA. Also aircraft stands can be increased significantly at DSA compared to LBA. Less population on flight path could make better expansion.

Welcome to
Doncaster Leeds Bradford Airport

Train station is a complete and verifiable non-starter. Notice a load of the proponents claim that ECML station was the key to unlocking DSA’s ‘full potential’, forgetting that, again, you need to have a base passenger throughput with sufficient dynamics before you can even consider building something like that. £300million were the estimates of how much that would cost 4 or 5 years ago. That is more than the airport cost to build.

There is a very outside chance that AMP may consider DSA due to the reasons you mentioned. It doesn’t however deal with the issue of Doncaster being fairly remote to West Yorkshire, certainly enough to push more people on to Manchester which will always have more choice and therefore greater pull. We also have EMA on the other side. Peel will not be relinquishing ownership, they have too much invested in the surrounding area. The airport is just a bit of wasteland that is prime for development, but they have to find something to do with it whilst the council are pushing for their vanity project.

I remain skeptical that Peel will agree to a leasehold without being party to some pretty water tight plans including solid backing from expert private sector investors - of which is sure AMP and closure of LBA would be one of them, another thing I wouldn’t bet my mortgage on. Over to the Council to deliver.

 

Sorry but I wouldn’t like the sound of that even if it was considered. Would mean a longer commute to work for me. The location isn’t a issue as all airports suffer with weather like LBA and even DSA did believe it or not.

LBA has plans for a new rail station and upgrades and improvements to the terminal and more stands would be built in time depending on demand for them.

 

Sorry but I wouldn’t like the sound of that even if it was considered. Would mean a longer commute to work for me. The location isn’t a issue as all airports suffer with weather like LBA and even DSA did believe it or not.

LBA has plans for a new rail station and upgrades and improvements to the terminal and more stands would be built in time depending on demand for them.

The weather at LBA is pretty shocking, the runway alignment and topography does the place absolutely no favours. However it’s where the demand is at and short of building an airport nearer the motorways, on flat land (of which there isn’t that much) then LBA will be here to stay. My posts are intended to make the point that there are several significant barriers to entry for a reopened DSA to reach its stated potential, and whilst not insurmountable it doesn’t make them any more likely than they were when Peel operated it.

 

There is absolutely no chance - none at all - of the LBA owners moving to DSA and shutting LBA. They know why LBA is increasingly successful, and why DSA wasn't, as does most of the aviation sector. Doing so would be totally nuts having invested hugely at LBA already.

LBAs owners are about to spend big money on the terminal and there's room for another 8-10 stands at least, bringing the total to well over 30. And their development plan includes them in stages with all built by 2030. There are advanced plans for a parkway rail station linked to the terminal by free shuttle buses - due 2026, by which time the existing terminal will be much changed and considerably larger.

As for weather, the issues at LBA are nowhere near as bad as some seem to think. The anti airport idiots that plague our city are a bigger issue and one that a Cat 3 landing wont cure. LBA isn't unique regarding the runway direction either. BHX does ok and it also has a far from flat runway too. Admittedly it's lower down so has less low cloud issues but it certainly has some serious crosswind issues at times.

It will be interesting to see what happens with the likes of TUi should DSA open again. Any airline going there is taking a huge financial gamble if they set up a base and frankly, no base is simply not enough. DSA can't survive on W leg holiday flights alone even if they attract one or two other airlines and actually hang on to them.

 

I've said all way along only way it would work is for LBA to say enough is enough with issues of their current location and relocate to DSA lock stock and barrel. Especially with railway station to be built at Finningley.
If LBA approached Peel and say do you want to do a swap deal we take 100% freehold of DSA and you can have the LBA site.
That could work very well for all concerned and might be the only way that Peel would give up the DSA freehold. Especially with space to expand terminal and stand space at DSA. Also aircraft stands can be increased significantly at DSA compared to LBA. Less population on flight path could make better expansion.

Welcome to
Doncaster Leeds Bradford Airport

I presume this is a joke - given LBA will have its own railway station before DSA opens, assuming it ever does. LBA already serves a far larger catchment area based on travel time to the airport even with the existing road network. The rail link will significantly enlarge this catchment area. https://assets.publishing.service.g.../765371/york-regional-connectivity-report.pdf
Add to that Peel have already made clear they won’t sell the land….

Should have also added the local councils also maintain a very small shareholding in LBA which would prevent the existing owners closing the airport….

 

There is an old saying that is very true and especially pertinent in this case....

You can't make a souffle rise twice....

 

There is an old saying that is very true and especially pertinent in this case....

You can't make a souffle rise twice....

Or in the case of DSA, once. Let's face it, it all went a bit flat didn't it after their public proclamation that they would hit 10m passengers and be the largest Yorkshire Airport by 2030.

 

Or in the case of DSA, once. Let's face it, it all went a bit flat didn't it after their public proclamation that they would hit 10m passengers and be the largest Yorkshire Airport by 2030.

Ah but it will be hitting 2mppa in ten years and profitable in year 5 contributing £1.5bn to the economy by year 30, all this whilst LBA continues to grow and claw at the market share.

To be honest I know I frankly piss people off by challenging consistently on other forums. But I feel nobody seems interested in asking these questions. I don’t have a skin in the game really, though I’ve been accused of having vested interests in this elsewhere (I don’t), but I do feel challenging accepted belief is important.

I’ll be honest, I don’t like LBA, it’s a pain for me to get to. But it’s in the centre of one of the largest populations in the U.K. regions and has a diverse economy. It’s why investment needs to be focussed on LBA to stop further leakage to airports outside of the region, it’s also why surface access must be improved!

I think there is a slightly increased chance of DSA reopening now that the council have been given information which justifies their belief. But there are very real barriers still facing them that need breaking down, not least recruiting an operator who’s views of the potential of the airport align with theirs, and who aren’t just in it for a free airport with very little monetary risk on themselves.

 

I enjoy your challenging and replies Pug as to be frank, you are talking sense/facts and mentioning points that quite frankly the beloved support group ignore as they don't have any reasonable come back. any criticism on that Facebook page and you get swamped like a pack of vultures. I got jumped on as I mentioned Monarch being a non existent airline and DSA being a non existent airport, look what happened.. I was right. They see it all through rose tinted glasses.

LBA is far from perfect, it has its problems which is hopefully going to be rectified in the next couple of years. The new terminal would of been perfect. but nope the Government stalled and stalled on that. its not like LBA haven't tried and have to make do at the moment.

 

There is an old saying that is very true and especially pertinent in this case....

You can't make a souffle rise twice....

Is that why all the SY locals are cheesed off!!

 

I enjoy your challenging and replies Pug as to be frank, you are talking sense/facts and mentioning points that quite frankly the beloved support group ignore as they don't have any reasonable come back. any criticism on that link brakes forum Terms of Service please remove page and you get swamped like a pack of vultures. I got jumped on as I mentioned Monarch being a non existent airline and DSA being a non existent airport, look what happened.. I was right. They see it all through rose tinted glasses.

LBA is far from perfect, it has its problems which is hopefully going to be rectified in the next couple of years. The new terminal would of been perfect. but nope the Government stalled and stalled on that. its not like LBA haven't tried and have to make do at the moment.

Well a considerable amount of money has been secured and is about to be spent on LBA. The naysayers will soon wish they'd allowed the new terminal.