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...?

 

Is it now time for everyone to accept the inevitable that DSA does not have a future?

For most people it is already inevitable and has been for a long time. The question remains how the Mayor and Doncaster City Council finally play out the debacle, and how much taxpayers money will be wasted in the process.

 

For most people it is already inevitable and has been for a long time. The question remains how the Mayor and Doncaster City Council finally play out the debacle, and how much taxpayers money will be wasted in the process.

Note Peel are keen to emphasise that they are open to any credible offers, a further preemptive measure to fight a CPO. I know they are ruthless, but as people say, every man has his price. I just don’t think any private sector investment organisation would be attracted to it to run it as an airport. I really do feel that Peel are at a bit of a loose end with the place. The airport didn’t just lose a bit of cash, it was costing a fortune to cover overheads. Who in their right mind would buy it?

 

From what I gather in this context they collect properties owed. Someone elsewhere suggested for reclamation read demolition. The fact he was meeting with a lawyer too would suggest perhaps that the winding up of DSA Ltd will mean Peel Holdings will reclaim the leasehold. Of course it could be something else entirely but I would suspect that is the most likely reason for the visit.

You have totally hit the nail on the head with your summarisation.
I seriously don't think anything will be getting demolished, just repurposed. Apart from airport only appendages, such as the air bridges etc.
With DSA Ltd being wound up in May all the paperwork ends will be finalised and tidied up for smooth transfer back into Peels hands.

 

I have to say though, I’ve just seen a post on an alternative Facebook group slating MC. It’s been posted by an anonymous person (which is a bit harsh to say the least) however the response he/she received from the man himself was expletive laden. Appreciate he’s probably putting himself under pressure but it really does not help his cause.

 

I'm led to believe the thoughts of the person who set up the alternative group after they were banned by MC from original group along with others for daring to talk sensibly. As they know all about local government processes and knowledges which is valuable when looking at the whole shoddy affair.

 

I'm led to believe the thoughts of the person who set up the alternative group after they were banned by MC from original group along with others for daring to talk sensibly. As they know all about local government processes and knowledges which is valuable when looking at the whole shoddy affair.

There are two other groups separate from MC’s from what I can see. The overriding sentiments on those is that the Yorkshire Post are posting fake news now. So we can add the YP to the growing list of organisations that have inexplicably conspired to ensure DSA stays closed. Of course it has nothing at all to do with lack of viability. I’m afraid this idea that the airport has been purposefully run down and Peel have always had an alternative agenda - and l of course the council, SYMCA, AMP Capital, Government and now Yorkshire Post are all in the pockets of Peel.

Perhaps it’s time for people to be a bit more objective.

 

There are two other groups separate from MC’s from what I can see. The overriding sentiments on those is that the Yorkshire Post are posting fake news now. So we can add the YP to the growing list of organisations that have inexplicably conspired to ensure DSA stays closed. Of course it has nothing at all to do with lack of viability. I’m afraid this idea that the airport has been purposefully run down and Peel have always had an alternative agenda - and l of course the council, SYMCA, AMP Capital, Government and now Yorkshire Post are all in the pockets of Peel.

Perhaps it’s time for people to be a bit more objective.

What's it got to do with AMP Capital? They have nothing to do with DSA and obviously stand to benefit from it's demise, being outright owners of LBA. I can't imagine therefore why anyone would think they are in anyway in Peels pocket!

 

What's it got to do with AMP Capital? They have nothing to do with DSA and obviously stand to benefit from it's demise, being outright owners of LBA. I can't imagine therefore why anyone would think they are in anyway in Peels pocket!

Something to do with them bailing out Peel Ports. Tenuous at best but one of the more inquisitive members of Save DSA had claimed to have discovered something. I think sometimes it’s hard for people to see the bigger picture, DSA is a tiny part of the overall dealings Peel have.

 

Something to do with them bailing out Peel Ports. Tenuous at best but one of the more inquisitive members of Save DSA had claimed to have discovered something. I think sometimes it’s hard for people to see the bigger picture, DSA is a tiny part of the overall dealings Peel have.

If they bailed out Peel Ports, it sounds more like Peel are in AMP Capitals pocket!

The reality is, it's just business, just as DSA was just a (failed) business. The MCs of this world need to remember that. Doing so might lead to a reduction in the absolute nonsense they are spouting on a regular basis. The conspiracy theories they peddle are ludicrous.

 

If they bailed out Peel Ports, it sounds more like Peel are in AMP Capitals pocket!

The reality is, it's just business, just as DSA was just a (failed) business. The MCs of this world need to remember that. Doing so might lead to a reduction in the absolute nonsense they are spouting on a regular basis. The conspiracy theories they peddle are ludicrous.

Well the story goes that AMP Capital baked out Peel Ports, not sure where this came from but it then was used to suggest that AMP asked Peel to restrict DSA in return as it was impacting LBA. Obviously there is so much wrong with this that it’s pointless going into more detail, but I’m using it as an example of this sort theory that people want to perpetuate, as if there is some sort of multi faceted conspiracy to close DSA.

I prefer the Occam’s razor approach. Did AMP Capital really bail Peel out in return for closing DSA, or was DSA just a basket case? Did Peel buy the airport, redevelop it, continue to support losses of it only to get road links in with a view to closing it down the line and redeveloping it, it was DSA just a basket case? Did Peel manage to attract big names only to hike up prices after a couple of months forcing them ti leave, or was DSA just a basket case…? I could go on I’m sure.

Notice MC is piping up on another group, suggesting that those other groups don’t want to save DSA and that it’s a good job he’s driving the main page otherwise apparently all hope would be lost. Think that says it all about his motives now.

 

Update from Nick Fletcher following the bi-monthly airport meeting. In a nutshell, he knows some stuff but isn’t going to tell anyone, oh and stop listening to people on social media.

I take it from that the discussion surrounded CPO plans - which the council will be reluctant to release through fear of Peel getting wind - and don’t listen to Mark Chadwick and his recent claims that he has had ‘discussions with UAE’, whatever that means.

Must be a black hole in the budget as this hasn’t been budgeted for according to DMBC budget released last week for the coming year, unless these ‘discussions with UAE’ are subject to an MOU that they will stump up the cash to fund a CPO. Which I feel would be legally a complete write off.

 

A Joint Update on Doncaster Sheffield Airport (DSA) from Mayor Ros Jones, Mayor Oliver Coppard & Doncaster's MPs
​

The Mayors of Doncaster and South Yorkshire and the city’s three MPs have given the latest update on efforts to secure the future of Doncaster Sheffield Airport (DSA).

Substantial preparations and background work continues to take place as part of the potential acquisition of the airport through a Compulsory Purchase Order (CPO), if no sale is forthcoming.
As part of the CPO process, this week (w/c 13th March) City of Doncaster Council will be engaging with local landowners and occupiers in and around the potential development area. This is known as land referencing and will map out what land is owned or occupied by whom so landowners and occupiers can be contacted with further details about any future project so they are able to comment on any proposals. This would also include what the CPO could cover and how the proposed site could be designed. The process would mean that those potentially affected would be contacted to discuss any land rights required by the council for the project.
In addition to land referencing, engagement continues with Peel and other parties around the potential for a negotiated sale of DSA.
In a joint statement Mayors Ros Jones (City of Doncaster Council) and Oliver Coppard (South Yorkshire) and three Doncaster MPs (Rt. Hon. Dame Rosie Winterton MP, Rt.Hon. Ed Miliband MP and Nick Fletcher MP) said:
“As Mayors and MPs, we are collectively working to save our airport. We all want to see our airport reopen, secure the future of aviation in Doncaster and support the economy of Doncaster and South Yorkshire.
“As part of these efforts, the City of Doncaster Council is leading work to secure a CPO for the airport site. A CPO is a complex and often lengthy process taking up to two years.
“The sensitive nature of this activity means much of the work must happen behind the scenes and we support the measures that are being put in place.
“Of course we would rather Peel does the right thing and sell the airport to an interested party.
“We will continue to work together where this does not prejudice the CPO process.
“We will of course keep the public and business community updated on progress as and when we can.”

 

A Joint Update on Doncaster Sheffield Airport (DSA) from Mayor Ros Jones, Mayor Oliver Coppard & Doncaster's MPs​

​

The Mayors of Doncaster and South Yorkshire and the city’s three MPs have given the latest update on efforts to secure the future of Doncaster Sheffield Airport (DSA).

Substantial preparations and background work continues to take place as part of the potential acquisition of the airport through a Compulsory Purchase Order (CPO), if no sale is forthcoming.
As part of the CPO process, this week (w/c 13th March) City of Doncaster Council will be engaging with local landowners and occupiers in and around the potential development area. This is known as land referencing and will map out what land is owned or occupied by whom so landowners and occupiers can be contacted with further details about any future project so they are able to comment on any proposals. This would also include what the CPO could cover and how the proposed site could be designed. The process would mean that those potentially affected would be contacted to discuss any land rights required by the council for the project.
In addition to land referencing, engagement continues with Peel and other parties around the potential for a negotiated sale of DSA.
In a joint statement Mayors Ros Jones (City of Doncaster Council) and Oliver Coppard (South Yorkshire) and three Doncaster MPs (Rt. Hon. Dame Rosie Winterton MP, Rt.Hon. Ed Miliband MP and Nick Fletcher MP) said:
“As Mayors and MPs, we are collectively working to save our airport. We all want to see our airport reopen, secure the future of aviation in Doncaster and support the economy of Doncaster and South Yorkshire.
“As part of these efforts, the City of Doncaster Council is leading work to secure a CPO for the airport site. A CPO is a complex and often lengthy process taking up to two years.
“The sensitive nature of this activity means much of the work must happen behind the scenes and we support the measures that are being put in place.
“Of course we would rather Peel does the right thing and sell the airport to an interested party.
“We will continue to work together where this does not prejudice the CPO process.
“We will of course keep the public and business community updated on progress as and when we can.”

Of course - a sale would be the preferred option. CPO is, as has been reported very expensive and by no means guaranteed to be successful. I would be surprised if Peel sit on their hands as this is going on - watch out for a counter proposal estimated to provide several thousand jobs to make things more interesting. Not sure how keen local landowners will be either!

 

Gosh. How to put off any businesses from ever investing in the area again - if we don’t like what you are doing we will just try and force you to sell to us. Not that any of this will succeed of course, or there is any magical plan to somehow turn the airport around. If other businesses aren’t interested, it smacks of arrogance that the council think they can run it better

But there will be lots of damage done and lots of money wasted.

Well done

 

Absolutely nothing new in this statement. Meanwhile Mark Chadwick continues to control the narrative and save the day.

 

You know what CPO will stand for in Peels’ eyes:
Council P**s Off

 

You know what CPO will stand for in Peels’ eyes:
Council P**s Off

Judging by the fact that the money tree doesn’t appear to have even been planted yet, Can’t Pay Out might be quite apt.

I’m sure they have some idea of what they’re doing, but hiding behind commercial sensitivity is a bit of s cop out. When they make use of the language like ‘A CPO will just be for the land not an airfield’ it makes me think that they are suggesting the value of the land will be much lower in the eyes of a surveyor than the amount Peel have invested into it until now.

 

lots of money wasted.

It's already been a huge waste of money, but Councillors/Politicians rarely seem to care about that (it's not their money they're spending, it's ours). Don't get me wrong, I was very sad to see DSA close and wish it had been a success. But, if it couldn't work with all of the investment put into it over the years, it's never going to as a council funded project. It will just be an even bigger tax burden on the local population.

 

It seems to me that getting city status has gone to their heads. They insist they need their own airport, which demonstrates an idiotic failure to understand how aviation works. They appear to believe that they can succeed where Peel failed, even with the financial support of the council and infrastructure such as the link road to the airport. They think they can turn a loss making airport into one that is successful despite there being 4 other airports within a 90 minute drive.
To be successful and achieve the magic 2.5m passengers per year, they are going to have to entice airlines operating from those airports to move , which is a huge risk for them and, expensive. And really, they dont need to. The clue is in the fact that airlines such as Jet2 have had many years to go to DSA, and haven't. Airlines that did go, didn't stay, with two exceptions. Certainly in the case of Wizz, it's unlikely they will go back even if it does re-open.
The only way that the Council would attract airlines is to fund their transfer and offer large subsidies, itself the top of a slippery slope. Peel did that and look where it got them! Teesside are doing the same with fairly unspectacular results. Any airport that subsidises airlines is an airport doomed to fail.

The people of Doncaster should be very worried about the actions if their council and MPs. Yes, it hurts losing an airport that was a source of local pride, but sometimes some realism is needed. The Council are going to blow a huge amount of money chasing a CPO which may fail. Even if it doesn't, what then? How long to get a commercial airport up and running again? A year? Two? Going from zero to a full compliment of staff takes a long time, especially now, when the likes of Swissport can't staff the airports they already have.

There are many cities that dont have an airport in it's backyard. Doncaster is served already and they need to accept that.

I do find it odd that MPs are fighting to regenerate an airport whilst up the road, MPs from the same party did all they could recently to push LBA into decline with their anti aviation save the planet policy.

 

It seems to me that getting city status has gone to their heads. They insist they need their own airport, which demonstrates an idiotic failure to understand how aviation works. They appear to believe that they can succeed where Peel failed, even with the financial support of the council and infrastructure such as the link road to the airport. They think they can turn a loss making airport into one that is successful despite there being 4 other airports within a 90 minute drive.
To be successful and achieve the magic 2.5m passengers per year, they are going to have to entice airlines operating from those airports to move , which is a huge risk for them and, expensive. And really, they dont need to. The clue is in the fact that airlines such as Jet2 have had many years to go to DSA, and haven't. Airlines that did go, didn't stay, with two exceptions. Certainly in the case of Wizz, it's unlikely they will go back even if it does re-open.
The only way that the Council would attract airlines is to fund their transfer and offer large subsidies, itself the top of a slippery slope. Peel did that and look where it got them! Teesside are doing the same with fairly unspectacular results. Any airport that subsidises airlines is an airport doomed to fail.

The people of Doncaster should be very worried about the actions if their council and MPs. Yes, it hurts losing an airport that was a source of local pride, but sometimes some realism is needed. The Council are going to blow a huge amount of money chasing a CPO which may fail. Even if it doesn't, what then? How long to get a commercial airport up and running again? A year? Two? Going from zero to a full compliment of staff takes a long time, especially now, when the likes of Swissport can't staff the airports they already have.

There are many cities that dont have an airport in it's backyard. Doncaster is served already and they need to accept that.

I do find it odd that MPs are fighting to regenerate an airport whilst up the road, MPs from the same party did all they could recently to push LBA into decline with their anti aviation save the planet policy.

A number of Yorkshire and Lincolnshire MP and local authority leaders have for years been promoting DSA as the panacea. I personally took one to task some years ago over this matter and reminded him that it is the market which dictates where airlines choose to invest and grow, and no attempted political influence would change that so they must accept the facts as displayed by the market and invest to cater to that. I was chastised and rather unprofessionally ‘accused’ of working for LBA, which I don’t. I have no doubt that this is the sort of mentality that has prevented LBA from gaining better surface access and permission for more ambitious growth plans.

Without wishing to upset LBA backers, I do think that DSA is in an ideal location (theoretically) to cater to a wider audience. So in that sense for myself it would be beneficial to close LBA and centralise all commercial aviation at DSA. However, as the airlines have voted with their feet, and because East Midlands and Manchester are still within relatively easy reach of South Yorkshire, I fail to see any incentives to do this. Therefore DSA will always be bound by more successful airports with much larger immediate population centres and that is where the airlines will focus their growth strategies, no matter who owns DSA it just will not generate sufficient critical mass to be sustainable.