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 think they’re aiming high strategically and I suspect they’ve taken advice by specialists to do so. Understandably of course, this is a bit of a unique situation where they aren’t applying from scratch but they’re attempting to reopen the airport. Whether this works or not is another matter, forum SME @radar seemed to be cynical of this previously. The CAA won’t prioritise this over other ACP work in the pipeline I wouldn’t think, and they have tried to temper expectations by stating that they must see it as AN option not THE option. Can fully understand why they’re doing it this way, it would be the pragmatic approach.

The CAA have to be scrupulously fair in how they apply the process. Rush it and fudge the criteria for one airport (for… reasons?), and other airports that have had to jump through all the hoops legitimately are going to kick off. Which will be nothing compared to the howls of rage from airspace users (GA, gliders etc.) who will take legal action at the slightest whiff of leniency or excess.

I’ve said it before, if you want airspace, you have to demonstrate need, ie scheduled passenger services of sufficient quantity to justify taking freedoms away from other airspace users. Doncaster has a long and hard road to getting any airspace at all.

 

The CAA have to be scrupulously fair in how they apply the process. Rush it and fudge the criteria for one airport (for… reasons?), and other airports that have had to jump through all the hoops legitimately are going to kick off. Which will be nothing compared to the howls of rage from airspace users (GA, gliders etc.) who will take legal action at the slightest whiff of leniency or excess.

I’ve said it before, if you want airspace, you have to demonstrate need, ie scheduled passenger services of sufficient quantity to justify taking freedoms away from other airspace users. Doncaster has a long and hard road to getting any airspace at all.

I would expect kick back from the various GA airfields/flying clubs. I know that technically there may have been no/not many transit refusals previously, but that only paints half a picture and anyone who spends a bit of time in the local aviation community will know it’s often a PITA that many GA/So called ‘weekend w***ers’ tend to avoid entirely. No it’s not on the PPL syllabus, but that’s not to say it wasn’t often a case of staying East of the Trent… When HUY were proposing Class D (which was later voluntarily dropped), numerous GA organisations objected on the basis that there would be a potentially hazardous funnelling effect down the Vale of Ancholme. My former outfit, like many others, tended to prefer to do MATZ penetrations/transits as part of the QXC phase as opposed to transit Donny. Make of that what you will.

I suspect the CAA in this case will be applying the rule that other stakeholders will, DSA will need to prove that somehow things will be different this time. It’ll be interesting to see how this progresses.

 

I would expect kick back from the various GA airfields/flying clubs. I know that technically there may have been no/not many transit refusals previously, but that only paints half a picture and anyone who spends a bit of time in the local aviation community will know it’s often a PITA that many GA/So called ‘weekend w***ers’ tend to avoid entirely. No it’s not on the PPL syllabus, but that’s not to say it wasn’t often a case of staying East of the Trent… When HUY were proposing Class D (which was later voluntarily dropped), numerous GA organisations objected on the basis that there would be a potentially hazardous funnelling effect down the Vale of Ancholme. My former outfit, like many others, tended to prefer to do MATZ penetrations/transits as part of the QXC phase as opposed to transit Donny. Make of that what you will.

I suspect the CAA in this case will be applying the rule that other stakeholders will, DSA will need to prove that somehow things will be different this time. It’ll be interesting to see how this progresses.

Its a chicken and egg situation isn't it? DSA will find it difficult if not impossible to attract airlines without airspace and they possibly won't get airspace without bring able to prove a need for it, particularly since it failed spectacularly last time.

 

I would expect kick back from the various GA airfields/flying clubs. I know that technically there may have been no/not many transit refusals previously, but that only paints half a picture and anyone who spends a bit of time in the local aviation community will know it’s often a PITA that many GA/So called ‘weekend w***ers’ tend to avoid entirely. No it’s not on the PPL syllabus, but that’s not to say it wasn’t often a case of staying East of the Trent… When HUY were proposing Class D (which was later voluntarily dropped), numerous GA organisations objected on the basis that there would be a potentially hazardous funnelling effect down the Vale of Ancholme. My former outfit, like many others, tended to prefer to do MATZ penetrations/transits as part of the QXC phase as opposed to transit Donny. Make of that what you will.

I suspect the CAA in this case will be applying the rule that other stakeholders will, DSA will need to prove that somehow things will be different this time. It’ll be interesting to see how this progresses.

Seems already there is political interference in the process with Pitcher MP posting yesterday -
National Air Traffic Service (NATS)

Yesterday, I met with representatives from the National Air Traffic Service (NATS) here in Parliament.
NATS is responsible for managing UK airspace, and their involvement is essential for reopening DSA.
There are seven formal stages to the airspace change process, and I’m pleased to report that DSA is progressing well, with a specialised airspace design already in development to help accelerate it through.
If any residents have questions about this process, I’d be happy to discuss it further at my upcoming residents’ meeting later this month.
NATS

it will be interesting to see how the CAA respond to some significant and given the role of the CAA, irresponsible political pressure….

 

Seems already there is political interference in the process with Pitcher MP posting yesterday -
National Air Traffic Service (NATS)

Yesterday, I met with representatives from the National Air Traffic Service (NATS) here in Parliament.
NATS is responsible for managing UK airspace, and their involvement is essential for reopening DSA.
There are seven formal stages to the airspace change process, and I’m pleased to report that DSA is progressing well, with a specialised airspace design already in development to help accelerate it through.
If any residents have questions about this process, I’d be happy to discuss it further at my upcoming residents’ meeting later this month.
NATS

it will be interesting to see how the CAA respond to some significant and given the role of the CAA, irresponsible political pressure….

Politicians have meetings all the time, a senior airline official said recently that they’re nothing more than a talking shop, setting up ‘working groups’ but it’s nothing more than a PR stunt. This is the same. Nothing to see here.

 

Coventry Airport a GA airport is set to close in 2026, if this isn’t a stark warning.. (will just go over CDC as every other warning / facts have) I don’t know what is.

Aim high for emirates eh! Get that A380 in.. yawn.

 

So, Nicola Brown, was the Reform UK Clowncillor who understandably, quit the party after being forced to vote in favour of borrowing the money to reopen DSA - having been told to stay away if she intended abstaining, and that a vote against would see her lose the party whip.

I seem to recall someone claiming the CDC Clowncillors were not instructed to vote in favour of borrowing the money. I think Cllr Brown would confirm otherwise.

Having left the party, she rejoined it two days later. Pretty typical Reform UK farce. And if that wasn't bad enough, today it's announced she's quit again and joined Advance UK, a party that's probably even more right wing, supported by the likes of Tommy Robinson. Reform UK are said to be disappointed with her decision.

I've now lost count of how many Reform UK Clowncillors have quit since winning their seats, most of whom seem to be replaced in the party ranks by Tories! Its like musical chairs in government.

 

So, Nicola Brown, was the Reform UK Clowncillor who understandably, quit the party after being forced to vote in favour of borrowing the money to reopen DSA - having been told to stay away if she intended abstaining, and that a vote against would see her lose the party whip.

I seem to recall someone claiming the CDC Clowncillors were not instructed to vote in favour of borrowing the money. I think Cllr Brown would confirm otherwise.

Having left the party, she rejoined it two days later. Pretty typical Reform UK farce. And if that wasn't bad enough, today it's announced she's quit again and joined Advance UK, a party that's probably even more right wing, supported by the likes of Tommy Robinson. Reform UK are said to be disappointed with her decision.

I've now lost count of how many Reform UK Clowncillors have quit since winning their seats, most of whom seem to be replaced in the party ranks by Tories! Its like musical chairs in government.

Regurge are just a statement piece and the more extreme members will be getting upset that it’s being infiltrated by the more extreme Tories who will do anything including selling any principles they may have had just to try to stay relevant.

Anyway I now see that the YP have run an article referencing Coppards concern that any legal challenge against the subsidy could delay/deter private sector investment. I’ll judged comment really, clearly he’s trying to play that card to prevent challenge with the promise of private sector investment but really he must know that if they had private investors now it wouldn’t qualify for legal challenge to public subsidy. It’s a ‘quick, blame LBA!’ Strategy.

 

Regurge are just a statement piece and the more extreme members will be getting upset that it’s being infiltrated by the more extreme Tories who will do anything including selling any principles they may have had just to try to stay relevant.

Anyway I now see that the YP have run an article referencing Coppards concern that any legal challenge against the subsidy could delay/deter private sector investment. I’ll judged comment really, clearly he’s trying to play that card to prevent challenge with the promise of private sector investment but really he must know that if they had private investors now it wouldn’t qualify for legal challenge to public subsidy. It’s a ‘quick, blame LBA!’ Strategy.

It’s a strategy that will quickly unravel. As you say it’s Coppard looking to point the finger of blame or even try warden off any legal threats but he knows full well there was no private investment coming previously that had any credibility. Nothing that I can see has changed in that barring a hefty loan from the council.

If anything the increase in business rates and the incoming headwinds of some potentially turbulent years for the aviation industry have maybe hit home a little bit now.

All these warnings and media articles just strike me as SYMCA and CDC looking for someone to blame when ultimately the airport either never opens or that they are getting next to no interest from airlines. Probably somewhere in between lies the truth.

 

It’s a strategy that will quickly unravel. As you say it’s Coppard looking to point the finger of blame or even try warden off any legal threats but he knows full well there was no private investment coming previously that had any credibility. Nothing that I can see has changed in that barring a hefty loan from the council.

If anything the increase in business rates and the incoming headwinds of some potentially turbulent years for the aviation industry have maybe hit home a little bit now.

All these warnings and media articles just strike me as SYMCA and CDC looking for someone to blame when ultimately the airport either never opens or that they are getting next to no interest from airlines. Probably somewhere in between lies the truth.

A statement from Coppard won’t warn off any competitor airports from taking action. They will act in the best interests of their shareholders and and stakeholders and if they see a threat to their investment due to uncompetitive practices they will take action to protect it….Coppard is just showing his commercial naivety yet again…

 

Oliver Coppard reveals 'virtuous circle' hope for Doncaster Sheffield Airport investment

Money generated from the reopening of Doncaster Sheffield Airport and the creation of an associated sustainable aviation and advanced manufacturing hub next to it can be part of a “virtuous circle” helping to fund further public investment in the site, Oliver Coppard has suggested.

www.yorkshirepost.co.uk

Basically Coppard is saying ‘it’s probably going to cost more’.

 

Oliver Coppard reveals 'virtuous circle' hope for Doncaster Sheffield Airport investment

Money generated from the reopening of Doncaster Sheffield Airport and the creation of an associated sustainable aviation and advanced manufacturing hub next to it can be part of a “virtuous circle” helping to fund further public investment in the site, Oliver Coppard has suggested.

www.yorkshirepost.co.uk

Basically Coppard is saying ‘it’s probably going to cost more’.

More fluff from Coppard…..this talk of a sustainable aviation hub is all just nonsense and noise. Take this article which he penned. it’s all flannel…..https://greenallianceblog.org.uk/2025/06/09/were-developing-south-yorkshire-as-a-sustainable-aviation-and-cleantech-hub/
Talk of SAF research and production, development of new light weight alloys all noise and no substance…All designed to deflect from losses and garner support for a political vanity project.

 

More fluff from Coppard…..this talk of a sustainable aviation hub is all just nonsense and noise. Take this article which he penned. it’s all flannel…..https://greenallianceblog.org.uk/2025/06/09/were-developing-south-yorkshire-as-a-sustainable-aviation-and-cleantech-hub/
Talk of SAF research and production, development of new light weight alloys all noise and no substance…All designed to deflect from losses and garner support for a political vanity project.

None of which needs an airport anyway. This fantasy hub is in no way dependent on DSA.

 

Still don't think it will open I can see a scenario that it gets to £40M or so spent and canned I really can unless they really start kicking on and getting the place open with not a lot in the bank to open it for re airlines and cargo.

Now I don't know much about Blackpool Airport and what has really happened since Pax ops ceased but if they are so stubborn in the belief it must open why not go down that route of no pax ops maybe no cargo if they can't warrant it go down the route of G/A, maintainence 2 Excel who would have a substanstial fleet at the airport. I don't know what potential they have to sell land the airport sits on now for other uses eg shorten the runway or what the figures would look like but anything appears better than 20 flights a week and 4-5 cargo flights wich looks the going rate at present.

 

Still don't think it will open I can see a scenario that it gets to £40M or so spent and canned I really can unless they really start kicking on and getting the place open with not a lot in the bank to open it for re airlines and cargo.

Now I don't know much about Blackpool Airport and what has really happened since Pax ops ceased but if they are so stubborn in the belief it must open why not go down that route of no pax ops maybe no cargo if they can't warrant it go down the route of G/A, maintainence 2 Excel who would have a substanstial fleet at the airport. I don't know what potential they have to sell land the airport sits on now for other uses eg shorten the runway or what the figures would look like but anything appears better than 20 flights a week and 4-5 cargo flights wich looks the going rate at present.

Just imagine if they shortened the runway! They would have to find a whole new argument for opening as the runway, often described as something it actually isn't, seems to be their no 1 justification.

I wonder if the politicians actually understand how much it costs to maintain an airfield and runway? When issues crop up, often unexpected, repairs are needed immediately, at significant cost. Shortening the runway would ultimately reduce costs and make the airport more sustainable, but as this is nothing more than a vanity project, with the super long amazing runway the be all and end all, they'll never do it.

 

Oliver Coppard reveals 'virtuous circle' hope for Doncaster Sheffield Airport investment

Money generated from the reopening of Doncaster Sheffield Airport and the creation of an associated sustainable aviation and advanced manufacturing hub next to it can be part of a “virtuous circle” helping to fund further public investment in the site, Oliver Coppard has suggested.

www.yorkshirepost.co.uk

Basically Coppard is saying ‘it’s probably going to cost more’.

Well this is a classic "No s*** Sherlock!" moment. However am I reading this right? They expect to need anywhere from £90M - £160M for infrastructure to get Gateway East fully operational, as well as an extra £50M for motorway access? And yet they are expecting to use business rates from anything that goes in there to prop up DSA losses?

If so, I think it's a brilliant plan and I can't possibly see how this could go spectacularly wrong in any way. Nope, not me, uh huh, it's pure genius.....

<sarcasm mode /off>

 

We keep hearing about DSA having talks with TUi and an expectation among DSA fans that TUi will base multiple aircraft there once it opens. Well, we shall see!

TUi though, are in the process of making significant cuts, which includes an increasing use of carriers other than their in house airline. Cost cutting measures are to be introduced across the next three years - 30% by 2026, 30% by 2027 and the remaining 40% by 2028. They clearly mean business, as indicated by the fact that today they sent a 12 year old Boeing 787 Dreamliner (G-TUID) back to the leasing company (who didn't take it back - it was actually ferried by TUi to Kemble to be parted out).

Given the cost of setting up a new base and the increased use of other carriers, you have to wonder why they would do this at DSA right in the middle of a cost cutting exercise. Consolidation at existing bases seems more likely, whilst they can't offer flights on other carriers if they don't operate at DSA. Its yet another major doubt about DSA mk2. If TUi don't base there then its really hard to see who will and without based airlines, DSA is doomed to fail. Again.

 

We keep hearing about DSA having talks with TUi and an expectation among DSA fans that TUi will base multiple aircraft there once it opens. Well, we shall see!

TUi though, are in the process of making significant cuts, which includes an increasing use of carriers other than their in house airline. Cost cutting measures are to be introduced across the next three years - 30% by 2026, 30% by 2027 and the remaining 40% by 2028. They clearly mean business, as indicated by the fact that today they sent a 12 year old Boeing 787 Dreamliner (G-TUID) back to the leasing company (who didn't take it back - it was actually ferried by TUi to Kemble to be parted out).

Given the cost of setting up a new base and the increased use of other carriers, you have to wonder why they would do this at DSA right in the middle of a cost cutting exercise. Consolidation at existing bases seems more likely, whilst they can't offer flights on other carriers if they don't operate at DSA. Its yet another major doubt about DSA mk2. If TUi don't base there then its really hard to see who will and without based airlines, DSA is doomed to fail. Again.

Easyjet is the rumour, but it’s a rumour amongst pilots who are usually the least reliable when it comes to things like this. There’s also a fair bit of wishful thinking amongst the pilot community, understandably in some ways. But pilots don’t pay the bills, neither do ATCOs or Ground Ops.

 

Latest twaddle by the Yorkshire post talking about the IMMINENT opening of DSA!!

Is it me or do the figures keep increasing now stating £193m

One of my favourite statements is “Climate Change Minister Katie White was keynote speaker at the Great Northern Conference, and backed the idea for the reopening of DSA to be accompanied by a sustainable aviation fuel hub.”. Wow, what can I say

And in relation to “In recent years, we’ve achieved city status, invested in skills and innovation and worked together as Team Doncaster to unlock one of the most significant economic wins in recent northern history, the imminent reopening of Doncaster Sheffield Airport” - I think she might be right!!! This will be a significant event in northern history, but maybe for a different reason…….

 

Latest twaddle by the Yorkshire post talking about the IMMINENT opening of DSA!!

Is it me or do the figures keep increasing now stating £193m

One of my favourite statements is “Climate Change Minister Katie White was keynote speaker at the Great Northern Conference, and backed the idea for the reopening of DSA to be accompanied by a sustainable aviation fuel hub.”. Wow, what can I say

And in relation to “In recent years, we’ve achieved city status, invested in skills and innovation and worked together as Team Doncaster to unlock one of the most significant economic wins in recent northern history, the imminent reopening of Doncaster Sheffield Airport” - I think she might be right!!! This will be a significant event in northern history, but maybe for a different reason…….

And, guess where Katie White's constituency is? Leeds North West, which includes Leeds Bradford Airport. She's supporting the reopening of an airport that's made no secret of its desire to pinch business from the one in her constituency.