easyJet

[ChrisBBB]

and soon pick up sticks and run when it runs out..!

And that being the reason I don’t think they’d consider DSA.
Easy work on a long slow lead up with gradual growth, they’re not going to undo that at LBA just to gamble again where it has previously failed

 

[LBAYORKIE]

With a new SEN base opening, SOU/NCL/LBA sniffing about for easyJet base, I think DSA is in stiff competition.

Also makes you wonder how much money can Doncaster Council throw into subsidies with this project sky rocketing.

I think they will throw everything theyve got at it. May be why Easyjet have such a small number of flights on sale for Summer 2026.

 

[Statto]

I think they will throw everything theyve got at it.

I’m not sure what you have in mind. As a wholly publicly owned business, it will be bound by state aid rules regarding any direct subsidies it will be able to offer

 

[pug]

I’m not sure what you have in mind. As a wholly publicly owned business, it will be bound by state aid rules regarding any direct subsidies it will be able to offer

Well this is the contentious point and something I wonder whether LBA will challenge. They do have to play by the rules, it’s been determined that the loan from CDC to FlyDoncaster constitutes a public subsidy of £89million and they will probably have to offer subsidy in some form or other to get airlines to agree to fly from there. All I’m saying is that I would not rule out easyJet considering throwing their weight behind a reopened DSA if they’re keen on taking on the Yorkshire market and this will be in direct competition with LBA as I’m sure it’s no secret that LBA will want an easyJet base at some point.

Most of us are unconvinced by the need of having DSA, but that’s not to say that there isn’t a threat to the business at LBA should it reopen as planned.

 

[White Heather]

Well this is the contentious point and something I wonder whether LBA will challenge. They do have to play by the rules, it’s been determined that the loan from CDC to FlyDoncaster constitutes a public subsidy of £89million and they will probably have to offer subsidy in some form or other to get airlines to agree to fly from there. All I’m saying is that I would not rule out easyJet considering throwing their weight behind a reopened DSA if they’re keen on taking on the Yorkshire market and this will be in direct competition with LBA as I’m sure it’s no secret that LBA will want an easyJet base at some point.

Most of us are unconvinced by the need of having DSA, but that’s not to say that there isn’t a threat to the business at LBA should it reopen as planned.

LBA want an Easyjet base now but the terminal needs sorting first. Meanwhile, the LBA and Easyjet relationship is said to be very good.

I still see no point in them going into DSA. They've been before and it bombed so badly they were gone in a year. DSA is NOT the location to capture the Yorkshire market. It's barely in Yorkshire!

Easyjet tend to only open bases with multiple aircraft. Why on Earth would they risk setting up a multi aircraft base at a failed airport just to compete with LBA which itself is growing and has already proved itself to Easyjet and others. It absolutely makes no sense no matter how much they're offered by DSA. They have steadily been adding routes out of LBA for a reason!

You have been saying this about Easyjet into DSA for some time now. Do you know something because if you do its contrary to what I'm told. Why would they do this when others such as Ryanair won't and particularly when they have a large presence at MAN which is even closer to the DSA catchment than it is to LBA.

 

[pug]

LBA want an Easyjet base now but the terminal needs sorting first. Meanwhile, the LBA and Easyjet relationship is said to be very good.

I still see no point in them going into DSA. They've been before and it bombed so badly they were gone in a year. DSA is NOT the location to capture the Yorkshire market. It's barely in Yorkshire!

Easyjet tend to only open bases with multiple aircraft. Why on Earth would they risk setting up a multi aircraft base at a failed airport just to compete with LBA which itself is growing and has already proved itself to Easyjet and others. It absolutely makes no sense no matter how much they're offered by DSA. They have steadily been adding routes out of LBA for a reason!

You have been saying this about Easyjet into DSA for some time now. Do you know something because if you do its contrary to what I'm told. Why would they do this when others such as Ryanair won't and particularly when they have a large presence at MAN which is even closer to the DSA catchment than it is to LBA.

It’s not that I know anything as such, although there are one or two within easyjet who claim it’s a credible rumour doing the rounds there, but my point is that the project director has mentioned easyJet in response to a councillors questions, he said they need to have everything in place because otherwise ‘they will become more entrenched at other airports’. It would therefore be too late.

Whether we agree or not that easyjet are likely to be interested we just don’t know at this stage, their last attempt at flying from DSA was 15 years ago. It’s not beyond the realms of possibility that they have more confidence in being able to gain market share by trying it again but with more aircraft. I also know it’s a target for LBA and like I say, I hope LBA are working with that in mind - I’m sure they are and they’ll be best place to judge the situation.

If anything I feel it’s statements like this councillors that would justify some form of challenge against the use of public money on it when they are intent on competing directly with LBA as a private sector concern.

 

[Statto]

I don’t think public ownership per se is an issue. Quite a few uk airports are publicly owned or jointly owned and I’m not sure there has ever been a legal challenge from neighbouring airports. Direct state aid payable from a public body to an airline to operate a route / routes is a no-go unless a PSO type thing. The grey area will be if the DSA operating company can be proven to operate in a way that a private company could not and the result of that creates distortions in the market. But that would take some time to play out.

 

[Aviador]

The only things that have changed since EasyJet last tried DSA is the industry has become even more cutthroat and if anything it has become far less likely to succeed than it was previously. Airlines have moved away from serving the smaller regional airports and are concentrating on the larger airports with a proven track record of delivering. When DSA was last around who would have thought that EasyJet and Ryanair would have focused on airports like Manchester where it previously wasn't interested in. If anything I believe we will see further consolidation into the larger airports as time goes by. Airports handling over 3mppa.

 

[Statto]

The only things that have changed since EasyJet last tried DSA is the industry has become even more cutthroat and if anything it has become far less likely to succeed than it was previously.

Thomas Cook has gone bust, allowing TUI and Jet2 to increase their market share of package holidays

Jet2 have massively pivoted their business into package holidays away from flight only

Easyjet are a completely different company - different leadership team, different strategy - including a big investment in developing a package holiday business

All three things will all have a direct bearing on how EasyJet may or may not deploy their aircraft around the UK.

 

[Sherburnflyer92]

The issue with easyJet is as @Aviador has alluded to the industry has become a lot more cut throat.

Back when easyJet did serve Doncaster the industry has different; LBA wasn't as prominent; Ryanair & Jet2 had not carved a good market out at that stage, Jet2 was only relatively new with a flippant attitude from the core operators. Both Ryanair and easyJet took a gamble on setting up bases at LBA, DSA, respectively. Both a gamble for both operators - once stayed and has grown the other left the Yorkshire catchment area unserved for a fair few years.

easyJet also had a presence at easyJet with a was it 2 or 3 based at EMA also eating away at the DSA catchment area making it uncompetitive hence they pulled buggered off and left Yorkshire completely underserved until their return to the GVA market.

Fast forward to now there is a huge catchment area; Jet2/Ryanair have invigorated the catchment area to the point where easyJet can see, through the clever marketing tools available to all airlines; that LBA is somewhere that needs another competitor and that can ultimately deliver easyJet's strategy. They are accustomed to their own data too on how many customers travel the pennines to travel to destinations not currently served at LBA that potentially could be (Egypt, Tunisia).

I thoroughly believe no airline will survive Doncaster re opening. They will do a year at most; but once any subsidies have dried up they'll retreat and go back to where they come from.

 

[pug]

I don’t think public ownership per se is an issue. Quite a few uk airports are publicly owned or jointly owned and I’m not sure there has ever been a legal challenge from neighbouring airports. Direct state aid payable from a public body to an airline to operate a route / routes is a no-go unless a PSO type thing. The grey area will be if the DSA operating company can be proven to operate in a way that a private company could not and the result of that creates distortions in the market. But that would take some time to play out.

I don’t think there is a precedent yet in the post-Brexit Public Sector Subsidy rules in relation to airports but similar concerns have been raised by the operators of BRS;

Bristol Airport 'deeply concerned' over Welsh Government subsidy for rival

The airport has warned that the proposed state aid would put it at a commercial disadvantage

www.somersetlive.co.uk

LBA and York Aviation have submitted their own evidence to the SAU with regards the effective subsidy being awarded by CDC to FlyDoncaster to the tune of £89million which they claim threatens to distort the market and could therefore constitute unfair public sector subsidy. As yet CDC or FlyDoncaster have not answered the questions raised to it by the SAU in their report.

So unless easyJet enter into an agreement with FlyDoncaster where they won’t be in receipt of what could constitute monetary subsidy to operate from there, then I think there might be a case for a challenge particularly if this is at the expense of growth at LBA.

I’m not suggesting easyJet will operate from DSA, but history suggests that in order for airlines to want to fly from there then financial incentives are required and therefore it could end up in a race to the bottom on who can offer the best deal. I know easyJet have had a poor history at DSA but things do change and whilst the market has only got more competitive, so have airports become more congested. With the right strategy easyJet could make DSA work but it would be to the detriment of any future expansion at LBA.

This is of course all quite academic at the moment - but it is in direct reference to the statement made by DSA project director Christian Foster in response to a question posed to him by a councillor at a CDC meeting where he mentions TUI and easyJet requiring 12 months notice and any subsequent delays could see them becoming ‘entrenched at other airports’ in a clear reference to LBA.

 

[Aviador]

With the right strategy easyJet could make DSA work

I have to disagree on that. A strategy wont make DSA a success, nor will it help EasyJet in anyway. The airport is just too far away from the main conurbations.

 

[pug]

I have to disagree on that. A strategy wont make DSA a success, nor will it help EasyJet in anyway. The airport is just too far away from the main conurbations.

Whilst I agree with you in principle as you know, my thinking is along the lines of how TUI managed to create a market for itself at DSA. Of course we know easyJet had relatively poor uptake on routes from DSA in the past when they out-stationed one aircraft there, blame at the time was placed on the unsuitable AMS timetable and lack of flexibility and also the inadequate road connections. The road network is now plugged in of course, but you are right the major conurbations that have served Jet2 and Ryanair well means DSA is the less attractive proposition for them.

Basing at LBA would provide easyJet with a proven market, no denying that. Plus with the terminal regen being completed in 2026 the capacity will be increased to enable a 3 x aircraft base to be opened. However I just caution against being too confident in that at this time, clearly CDC are working hard to make DSA 2.0 a reality and with MAI wanting to make an impression they will be using their expertise and relationships to generate interest. Looks like easyJet are very much a target and I’m sure LBA will be working with them to ensure they win the business.

 

[Sherburnflyer92]

The difference is TUI had the airport to themselves; had Yorkshire market to themselves and built their presence slowly through showing up consistently at DSA building a market slowly but surely. They didn't start with unique routes - they went straight for bread & butter tour operator routes. 2020/2021 they were adding routes in Croatia etc once they'd established the market.

I don't believe easyJet has that patience if I'm honest nor does Doncaster have the market anymore. East Midlands, Leeds and to an extent Birmingham & Manchester have taken the market.

easyJet can have it to it's self ...if it won't work it wont work it's that simple. easyJet also dont have much growth coming in fleet not that I can see. I mean they have A321's on order but I do not see regular deliveries. Then easyJet have to weigh up increasing capacity at bases such as Gatwick, Luton, Bristol, Manchester with the A321's and also at other bases they face competition - Edinburgh, Liverpool. Then there is the European division too ...

 

[Aviador]

When Doncaster Sheffield Airport (DSA) opened in 2005 (as Robin Hood Airport), studies and regional transport analyses estimated its potential to capture passengers from West Yorkshire. However, specific leakage figures are scarce, as the airport struggled to compete with larger hubs like Manchester (MAN) and Leeds Bradford (LBA). Below is a synthesis of available insights: Key Estimates and Context

1. Initial Targets (2005–2010):
- DSA aimed to attract ~1.5 million passengers annually by 2010, with a catchment area including South Yorkshire, parts of West Yorkshire, and Lincolnshire.
- A 2007 study by the South Yorkshire Passenger Transport Executive (SYPTE)** suggested 5–10% of air passengers in South/West Yorkshire might "leak" to DSA, particularly from areas like Wakefield, Barnsley, and Pontefract, due to proximity (e.g., 30–45 minutes by road).

2. Actual Leakage: - By 2010, DSA handled ~1 million passengers/year**, but only a fraction came from West Yorkshire. Industry analysts estimated ~50,000–150,000 passengers annually leaked from West Yorkshire to DSA at its peak (pre-2019). - Competition from LBA (closer to Leeds) and MAN (superior route network) limited DSA’s appeal. For example:
- Leeds to DSA: ~45 minutes by car.
- Leeds to MAN: ~1 hour by car.

3. Route-Specific Leakage:
- DSA’s budget carriers (e.g., Wizz Air, TUI) attracted passengers for holiday charters and short-haul EU flights unavailable at LBA. For instance:
- Polish and Eastern European routes drew passengers from West Yorkshire’s migrant communities.
- Summer holiday flights (e.g., Spain, Turkey) were popular with families in Wakefield and Kirklees.

4. Post-2010 Decline: - By 2019, DSA’s annual passengers fell to ~1.2 million, with leakage from West Yorkshire likely dropping to ~30,000–80,000/year due to LBA’s expansion (e.g., Jet2’s growth).

Sources of Data
1. SYPTE Reports:Early 2000s transport plans highlighted DSA’s potential to reduce leakage to Manchester, but later studies (e.g., 2015 *Sheffield City Region Transport Strategy*) acknowledged limited success.

2. Peel Group (DSA Owner):Internal targets (leaked to local press) aimed for ~500,000 passengers/year from West Yorkshire by 2020, but these were never achieved.

3. Aviation Consultancies:
A 2018 RDC Aviation report noted DSA captured <5% of West Yorkshire’s air travel demand, compared to ~25% for Manchester

Why Leakage Was Limited
Route Limitations: DSA lacked long-haul and business-focused routes.
LBA’s Resurgence: Jet2’s expansion at Leeds Bradford (e.g., 60+ destinations by 2020) recaptured local demand.
Infrastructure: Poor rail links to DSA vs. direct trains from West Yorkshire to MAN.

At its peak, Doncaster Sheffield Airport likely drew ~50,000–150,000 passengers annually from West Yorkshire, primarily for niche leisure routes. However, this represented a small fraction of the region’s total air travel demand, with most passengers still preferring Manchester or Leeds Bradford.

For precise historical figures, archival SYPTE catchment studies or Peel Group annual reports (if publicly accessible) would be required.

 

[pug]

I agree with both posts above by @Sherburnflyer92 and @Aviador and I’m not trying to derail the thread by putting it on a DSA slant, my point is it’s not impossible that easyJet may look at DSA as a clean slate from which a market can be generated by serving South Yorkshire and capturing East Midlands and WY/NY passengers. Do I think it’s likely? No not with past performance, but it’s definitely something I fully believe VH and the LBA team will be planning for because what Christian Foster said is not plucked out of thin air, these discussions will be happening now.

 

[Aviador]

For sure they will just as Leeds will be in discussions with Etihad and Qatar. Both scenarios will likely produce no fruit.

 

[pug]

For sure they will just as Leeds will be in discussions with Etihad and Qatar. Both scenarios will likely produce no fruit.

As I remembering correctly that easyJet’s first dalliance with LBA was when they closed their short lived and small DSA base by operating a seasonal GVA from Leeds immediately after?

 

[Jerry]

I have to disagree on that. A strategy wont make DSA a success, nor will it help EasyJet in anyway. The airport is just too far away from the main conurbations.

People will travel though for an airline like Easyjet especially for holiday routes. Look at how Manchester attracts so many passengers from Yorkshire and TUI had an established base there as well. People will travel when a brand like Easyjet is concerned. Look at Jet2 at Leeds which isn't the best airport to get to. The brand though attracts people.

 

[BCFC]

People will travel though for an airline like Easyjet especially for holiday routes. Look at how Manchester attracts so many passengers from Yorkshire and TUI had an established base there as well. People will travel when a brand like Easyjet is concerned. Look at Jet2 at Leeds which isn't the best airport to get to. The brand though attracts people.

The price attracts the customer (especially flight only) the brand comes further down the list, people don't care who they fly with as long as they get their holiday at the price they want.