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...?

 

Presumably yes. Although it’s a bit up in the air because there are consistent mixed signals due to choice of language.

Are they looking for an investor/operator, an operator and investor? Or are the council the investor and they just want to appoint an operator? The latter would be the simplest solution, Council ultimately own the business and they appoint an operator as specialists to run the business on their behalf.

Seems from the most recent statement that they are looking for both an operator and an investor, which I think means an operator that is prepared to also invest in the business. This will be exceptionally tricky, as snackbar has alluded to, if the operator/investor has shareholders to look after, those shareholders wouldn’t take too kindly to their operator investing in a business that has failed previously to ever get anywhere near to break even.

From day one the Council have attacked this from the perspective that Peel badly mismanaged the business. There has also been an apparent tendency to believe those nonsense rumours such as Virgin being told to go away after wanting to start an intercontinental hub network at DSA, and the rumours about big named freight airlines also being turned away. All rubbish but with a grain of truth in them to give the rumours legs. Think those truths are coming home now, hence the delays which I suspect will kick on further down the road too.

Doncaster rate payers are currently subsidising an empty land bank, due to commercial sensitivity it is debatable as to whether this information would qualify for FOI. So the CDC are tied into a lease agreement at a cost that is not publicly available but which is ultimately paid for by the tax payer, meanwhile they are finding it tricky to sell their vision to any expert/specialist companies.

Yes delays are to be expected, but they claimed that they had an initial 15 interested parties. Seems nobody is chomping at the bit to get into it when they are asked to show the money.

Some interesting news emerging on Teesside and I do wonder if the potential operators at DSA have a similar viewpoint re the limited potential for passenger traffic. Of course the LA would never want to admit that for fear of losing public support, but investors don’t need to care about that, just the bottom line! https://www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/news/24329648.investor-said-seeking-share-teesside-airport/

 

Some interesting news emerging on Teesside and I do wonder if the potential operators at DSA have a similar viewpoint re the limited potential for passenger traffic. Of course the LA would never want to admit that for fear of losing public support, but investors don’t need to care about that, just the bottom line! https://www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/news/24329648.investor-said-seeking-share-teesside-airport/

Meanwhile a news story today confirms that the announcement of a operator is delayed until the summer (at least) as the potential candidates have asked for more time.

And so it begins!. Perhaps their due diligence is revealing a lack of interest amongst airlines, and even those who may be willing, want incentives which will ensure the airport makes little money.

It will be interesting to see if this is the first of several delays or the first and last for whatever reason.
.

 

Meanwhile a news story today confirms that the announcement of a operator is delayed until the summer (at least) as the potential candidates have asked for more time.
And so it begins!. Perhaps their due diligence is revealing a lack of interest amongst airlines, and even those who may be willing, want incentives which will ensure the airport makes little money.
It will be interesting to see if this is the first of several delays or the first and last for whatever reason.
.

Also meanwhile, the spamming of the CAA has been encouraged by one of the save DSA groups. Looks like they’re all receiving a generic response highlighting that there are numerous regulatory approvals that will be required if the airport were to reopen. Reads to me as a hint that the airspace is the least of their worries.

This is on the back of a campaign to get the CAA to retain the controlled airspace which, at the moment at least, cannot be controlled. Think the CAA are giving them the benefit of the doubt, but there are active applications to take some of that airspace which the CAA will have to consider probably over and above the requirement of a reopened DSA. I suspect it’s highly likely a new operator would have to prove that Class D (as was) is necessary for a new operation.

 

Another recent post from the Lord has now indicated for members to harass the CAA with the same email template.. which they will only get the same response and P*ss them off. Also a petition now set up.

They love to change the narrative to benefit them. TUI returning, appear to assume they will be back to 4/5 based aircraft, well that isnt going to happen. firstly where are they going to get the AC from. They're all spoken for and with new delivery's a long way off..

Honestly the more they push to waste public money, the more I sit back, wait and watch the downfall of DSA once again.

Nothing like P*ssing millions away for zero gain. well done Doncaster Council

 

Also meanwhile, the spamming of the CAA has been encouraged by one of the save DSA groups. Looks like they’re all receiving a generic response highlighting that there are numerous regulatory approvals that will be required if the airport were to reopen. Reads to me as a hint that the airspace is the least of their worries.

This is on the back of a campaign to get the CAA to retain the controlled airspace which, at the moment at least, cannot be controlled. Think the CAA are giving them the benefit of the doubt, but there are active applications to take some of that airspace which the CAA will have to consider probably over and above the requirement of a reopened DSA. I suspect it’s highly likely a new operator would have to prove that Class D (as was) is necessary for a new operation.

I think that you will be aware that the original airspace was designed for a high volume of IFR movements which never happened and thus resulted in an inordinately large footprint and volume that was needlessly restrictive particularly on transiting traffic and GA airfields miles away from DSA. I agree that the new operator will likely need to submit plans for controlled airspace commensurate with the realistic anticipated air transport movements and that the airspace in the original format is unlikely to re-appear. Nor should it - and that is not a negative comment regarding DSA - it needs a balanced approach that satisfies the need of all airspace users which is the CAA's job - the mechanics ( ) of which are clearly not understood by the admin. of the particular campaign group at all.

Another recent post from the Lord has now indicated for members to harass the CAA with the same email template.. which they will only get the same response and P*ss them off. Also a petition now set up.

They love to change the narrative to benefit them. TUI returning, appear to assume they will be back to 4/5 based aircraft, well that isnt going to happen. firstly where are they going to get the AC from. They're all spoken for and with new delivery's a long way off..

Honestly the more they push to waste public money, the more I sit back, wait and watch the downfall of DSA once again.

Nothing like P*ssing millions away for zero gain. well done Doncaster Council

I have heard a report from a TUI cabin staff member - although I stress not first hand - that 'when' the airport re-opens they will not have aircrew based there. Perhaps not constructive to speculate but worthy of a mention to throw into the melting pot.

 

I think that you will be aware that the original airspace was designed for a high volume of IFR movements which never happened and thus resulted in an inordinately large footprint and volume that was needlessly restrictive particularly on transiting traffic and GA airfields miles away from DSA. I agree that the new operator will likely need to submit plans for controlled airspace commensurate with the realistic anticipated air transport movements and that the airspace in the original format is unlikely to re-appear. Nor should it - and that is not a negative comment regarding DSA - it needs a balanced approach that satisfies the need of all airspace users which is the CAA's job - the mechanics ( ) of which are clearly not understood by the admin. of the particular campaign group at all.


I have heard a report from a TUI cabin staff member - although I stress not first hand - that 'when' the airport re-opens they will not have aircrew based there. Perhaps not constructive to speculate but worthy of a mention to throw into the melting pot.

Yes, Class D was pushed through on the proviso it would handle a lot more CAT than it ended up doing. HUY were going to apply for it, and being that it was technically busier with the helicopter ops there was an argument for it. The GA community rallied against it, partly because of DSA and partly because of the effective funneling over Ancholme of any traffic wishing to remain outside of controlled airspace. I think whatever happens with DSA (and I’m sure the CAA are still working on the other proposals behind the scenes) the new operator will need to make a case to the CAA and work with other stakeholders to draw up an airspace proposal to suit their own needs and also anyone else’s.

All the mechanic and his band of followers will do is piss people off, it’ll have no effect whatsoever on the outcome. I noticed a petition has now been started too.

Re. TUI, wouldn’t be at all surprised if that was the case, at least initially. It’s much more cost effective and risk averse to fly in w patterns like they do at other airports that are TUI bases. Whether that would help get an operator on board or not is another matter. I expect a new operator, if they’re tasked with growing passenger throughput as Ros Jones has stated, wouldn’t have too much confidence if they can’t secure at least one based carrier.

 

Yes, Class D was pushed through on the proviso it would handle a lot more CAT than it ended up doing. HUY were going to apply for it, and being that it was technically busier with the helicopter ops there was an argument for it. The GA community rallied against it, partly because of DSA and partly because of the effective funneling over Ancholme of any traffic wishing to remain outside of controlled airspace. I think whatever happens with DSA (and I’m sure the CAA are still working on the other proposals behind the scenes) the new operator will need to make a case to the CAA and work with other stakeholders to draw up an airspace proposal to suit their own needs and also anyone else’s.

All the mechanic and his band of followers will do is piss people off, it’ll have no effect whatsoever on the outcome. I noticed a petition has now been started too.

Re. TUI, wouldn’t be at all surprised if that was the case, at least initially. It’s much more cost effective and risk averse to fly in w patterns like they do at other airports that are TUI bases. Whether that would help get an operator on board or not is another matter. I expect a new operator, if they’re tasked with growing passenger throughput as Ros Jones has stated, wouldn’t have too much confidence if they can’t secure at least one based carrier.

The mechanic is a complete numpty…..he is now doing more harm then good to the DSA cause by getting up the noses of public bodies whose role is an independent one and predominantly based on maintaining safety.
Perhaps he would be more guided if he took some time to read the actual report from the CAA https://airspacechange.caa.co.uk/documents/download/5865
The airspace issue is a minor inconvenience in comparison to the commercial issues this airport faces if it actually ever does reopen….

 

The mechanic is a complete numpty…..he is now doing more harm then good to the DSA cause by getting up the noses of public bodies whose role is an independent one and predominantly based on maintaining safety.
Perhaps he would be more guided if he took some time to read the actual report from the CAA https://airspacechange.caa.co.uk/documents/download/5865
The airspace issue is a minor inconvenience in comparison to the commercial issues this airport faces if it actually ever does reopen….

I think he’s being driven by what the mayor of Doncaster is saying, who consequently has to be seen to be doing something hence putting the airspace aspect into the statements. Like you say, the airspace issue is a secondary consideration and I wonder how much emphasis the budding operators they’re in discussions with have placed on this. Yes it would be helpful to be able to reinstate it straight away as it cuts away more work, but there are other more pressing issues to deal with and I think the CAA’s automated response to the matter sums it up quite well.

 

I think that you will be aware that the original airspace was designed for a high volume of IFR movements which never happened and thus resulted in an inordinately large footprint and volume that was needlessly restrictive particularly on transiting traffic and GA airfields miles away from DSA. I agree that the new operator will likely need to submit plans for controlled airspace commensurate with the realistic anticipated air transport movements and that the airspace in the original format is unlikely to re-appear. Nor should it - and that is not a negative comment regarding DSA - it needs a balanced approach that satisfies the need of all airspace users which is the CAA's job - the mechanics ( ) of which are clearly not understood by the admin. of the particular campaign group at all.


I have heard a report from a TUI cabin staff member - although I stress not first hand - that 'when' the airport re-opens they will not have aircrew based there. Perhaps not constructive to speculate but worthy of a mention to throw into the melting pot.

Oh dont tell DSA fans that, they are dreaming about x10 based operation.. again CC will know very very little to nothing. its all pie in the sky. the airport isn't even open. how can a planning department plan anything without any firm dates. Everything is very confidential so i highly doubt a CC member would know much.

Ive also seen them spamming airlines about DSA.. like their social media teams pay and notice to them, again replying with the same generic response..

 

Oh dont tell DSA fans that, they are dreaming about x10 based operation.. again CC will know very very little to nothing. its all pie in the sky. the airport isn't even open. how can a planning department plan anything without any firm dates. Everything is very confidential so i highly doubt a CC member would know much.

Ive also seen them spamming airlines about DSA.. like their social media teams pay and notice to them, again replying with the same generic response..

I don’t think the spamming of airlines does much harm to be fair. It’s unlikely to influence anything but the airlines probably aren’t complaining about the extra exposure on their various social media sites.

What really is problematic is people mindlessly following a mechanic who is the self appointed face of the campaign to get the airport reopened. What he should be doing is letting the process take its course, the CAA will not in any way be influenced by petitions of this kind led by people who do not understand the basis of the ACP procedures. There’s also an element of presumption, as yet an operator hasn’t been appointed/agreed to take it on, and nobody knows what the operators intend to do with it yet. It could well be that a reopened airport looks nothing like the previous operation and therefore managing such a large swathe of class D might not even be on their agenda.

 

i think it is time he let go, and leave it to the City of Doncaster council to move forward now. nothing he does now will have any affect whatsoever.
there is a lot of interest in gateway east from new companies, Hostec being one of them. as i said before DSA as a masssive advantage over LBS with gateawy east. just ask anyone who works for Farrans!
i was at LBA over the weekend and it is a logistics nightmare.

 

i think it is time he let go, and leave it to the City of Doncaster council to move forward now. nothing he does now will have any affect whatsoever.
there is a lot of interest in gateway east from new companies, Hostec being one of them. as i said before DSA as a masssive advantage over LBS with gateawy east. just ask anyone who works for Farrans!
i was at LBA over the weekend and it is a logistics nightmare.

Still not sure how you correlate the location of Gateway East with the success of DSA? It’s not really about whether LBA is fit for cargo or not, EMA is the problem when it comes to cargo and DSA. Passengers airlines wont care whether Gateway East exists or not. The only possible benefit of the Gateway East project is whether the operator/investor has any way of including that land within the airports business to help diversify revenue and therefore make the airport financially viable and sustainable.

 

I think he’s being driven by what the mayor of Doncaster is saying, who consequently has to be seen to be doing something hence putting the airspace aspect into the statements. Like you say, the airspace issue is a secondary consideration and I wonder how much emphasis the budding operators they’re in discussions with have placed on this. Yes it would be helpful to be able to reinstate it straight away as it cuts away more work, but there are other more pressing issues to deal with and I think the CAA’s automated response to the matter sums it up quite well.

i think it is time he let go, and leave it to the City of Doncaster council to move forward now. nothing he does now will have any affect whatsoever.
there is a lot of interest in gateway east from new companies, Hostec being one of them. as i said before DSA as a masssive advantage over LBS with gateawy east. just ask anyone who works for Farrans!
i was at LBA over the weekend and it is a logistics nightmare.

I'm sure you are correct on that one it should not affect events positively or negatively - but - not too wise in my opinion anyway to become a nuisance to a Public body when what will happen will happen regardless!
Not quite understanding in the way Gateway East would affect LBA. If it's to do with 'freight' it won't affect LBA 'cause they do not 'do' freight and are not competing for it anyway and the holidaymakers (if TUI return to DSA in some capacity) will not be bothered whether it is there doing freight or not. I noticed a huge warehouse speculatively build by Panattoni on the site which is awaiting tenants (or maybe it's for sale - I have no idea) Having said that if there is a discussion between a prospective airport operator and the Council to cream off Business rates from Gateway East to sustain the airport then that's positive for DSA as it would seem it would be a while before it could stand on its own feet with aircraft movements. Interesting to see how it all evolves and what the model will be when it opens.

 

I'm sure you are correct on that one it should not affect events positively or negatively - but - not too wise in my opinion anyway to become a nuisance to a Public body when what will happen will happen regardless!
Not quite understanding in the way Gateway East would affect LBA. If it's to do with 'freight' it won't affect LBA 'cause they do not 'do' freight and are not competing for it anyway and the holidaymakers (if TUI return to DSA in some capacity) will not be bothered whether it is there doing freight or not. I noticed a huge warehouse speculatively build by Panattoni on the site which is awaiting tenants (or maybe it's for sale - I have no idea) Having said that if there is a discussion between a prospective airport operator and the Council to cream off Business rates from Gateway East to sustain the airport then that's positive for DSA as it would seem it would be a while before it could stand on its own feet with aircraft movements. Interesting to see how it all evolves and what the model will be when it opens.

Appears that Panattoni buildings the biggest white elephant out there it's been empty for some time now.

Working on the presumption DSA reopens at what sort of point does this get to without an operator in place with it still having a real live chance are we reaching the point now that an announcement of the operator has to come soon with no hold ups yes everyone needs to do due diligence however it won't be long till the two year anniversary creeps up if this announcement of an operator isn't made by the end of the summer appears the plan at least. If that announcement comes still lot's to do to get anything happening apart from 2 Excel I presume so any reopening date of the terminal and such sits in the distance.

Some will tell you that things are more positive than they look from the outside but it's certain that there's been some setbacks to push any announcement of an operator back.

Whatever happens the story still possesses that intrigue and mystery of if and how it could be a success or if the same scenario plays out again if the place does reopen.

 

Appears that Panattoni buildings the biggest white elephant out there it's been empty for some time now.

Working on the presumption DSA reopens at what sort of point does this get to without an operator in place with it still having a real live chance are we reaching the point now that an announcement of the operator has to come soon with no hold ups yes everyone needs to do due diligence however it won't be long till the two year anniversary creeps up if this announcement of an operator isn't made by the end of the summer appears the plan at least. If that announcement comes still lot's to do to get anything happening apart from 2 Excel I presume so any reopening date of the terminal and such sits in the distance.

Some will tell you that things are more positive than they look from the outside but it's certain that there's been some setbacks to push any announcement of an operator back.

Whatever happens the story still possesses that intrigue and mystery of if and how it could be a success or if the same scenario plays out again if the place does reopen.

I think certain people are trying to maintain their place in the public eye now. That’s my personal view of it. Notice now he’s managed to bag himself a place on some local podcast/radio show. I know he claims to be doing it in his own time out of a sense of duty, but I think he’s realising the benefits of leading a hearts and minds campaign can have on his business. Fair play to him, he’s just being a bit irresponsible in this instance in my view as he appears to know very little about the function of the CAA and its role as an arms length organisation relative to Government.

Due diligence is probably prolonged in this instance as tax payer money is at stake, hence the delays. Ros Jones did state that the extension of this part of the tender process was created to the benefit of the council, which to me suggests the operators they are talking too are driving a hard bargain and/or aren’t all that interested. Again, my personal observation.

One thing is for sure, DSA does not and never did have the scope to be the major airport they purport it to be, I think this point is probably hitting home now, and they may be forced to manage their own expectations a bit.

 

There will be no announcements or updates at all until after the General Election at the earliest.

 

There will be no announcements or updates at all until after the General Election at the earliest.

Probably not, but I don’t think there would have been anyway given the extension to the final stage. It’s almost two years now since the announcement of closure, they’ll probably want to time any announcements with the anniversary of that.

 

i think it is time he let go, and leave it to the City of Doncaster council to move forward now. nothing he does now will have any affect whatsoever.
there is a lot of interest in gateway east from new companies, Hostec being one of them. as i said before DSA as a masssive advantage over LBS with gateawy east. just ask anyone who works for Farrans!
i was at LBA over the weekend and it is a logistics nightmare.

If you were at LBA last weekend, then you will have seen the huge construction site with the £100m development now taking place, so logistics won't be an issue when it's built in the next couple of years.

 

If you were at LBA last weekend, then you will have seen the huge construction site with the £100m development now taking place, so logistics won't be an issue when it's built in the next couple of years.

by logistics i mean transportation of goods from point of origin to destination. the development is for the new terminal, no way is that going to help logistics to and from the airport.

 

by logistics i mean transportation of goods from point of origin to destination. the development is for the new terminal, no way is that going to help logistics to and from the airport.

But as discussed, your point is moot as LBA doesn’t target freight/cargo movements. That is very much EMA’s domain for the north and midlands.