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...?

 

It is reported that they are after the passengers "loaned" to LBA/MAN. I thought 3 of the 4 TUI aircraft at DSA were moved to EMA, why are they not after those?

We know the majority of leakage from the Yorkshire area is to Manchester not from Doncaster to Leeds so they'll have a job on clawing back just from LBA and they won't have the buying power that Manchester and arguably Leeds does. This won't fair well for DSA.

I rather think they are referring to Wizz rather than TUi.

I think you're right and I don't see Wizz rushing back to DSA. They'd already moved their UK ops out of DSA and I don't think the Eastern European arm will be in any rush to go back.

 

We know the majority of leakage from the Yorkshire area is to Manchester not from Doncaster to Leeds so they'll have a job on clawing back just from LBA and they won't have the buying power that Manchester and arguably Leeds does. This won't fair well for DSA.


I think you're right and I don't see Wizz rushing back to DSA. They'd already moved their UK ops out of DSA and I don't think the Eastern European arm will be in any rush to go back.

So say DSA reclaimed their routes (lol) x10 weekly Wizz flights and most likely x1 TUI DBV rotation and maybe and extra palma.. so x12 weekly flights, how is that going to turn a profit / even 500000 pax if that? It’s not. All absolutely laughable.

Going after the wrong airport it was MAN/EMA that absorbed the extra TUI aircraft

 

So say DSA reclaimed their routes (lol) x10 weekly Wizz flights and most likely x1 TUI DBV rotation and maybe and extra palma.. so x12 weekly flights, how is that going to turn a profit / even 500000 pax if that? It’s not. All absolutely laughable.

Going after the wrong airport it was MAN/EMA that absorbed the extra TUI aircraft

It's laughable really isn't it. With the riveralry between Doncaster/ Sheffield and Leeds you wouldn't think they were both in Yorkshire.

 

I notice Rachel Reeves had the reopen DSA as one of the infrastructure projects to be completed as part of her ‘bid for growth’. To me it suggests it has central government approval. Not surprising really as it’s clearly party political base being a local Labour project.

It was the late 2 jags who approved it first time around because of the investment. Now everyone is attacking the very group who were able to follow through with their vision, only because its not worked out how they wanted it to. I suspect there’ll be some kick back as part of this is South East airport expansion which is highly contentious.

 

I see the Mechanic is at it again about DSA. saying it’s great alternative to LHR and its proposed third runway . He goes onto claim it takes 1hr 35mins to get from Kings Cross to LHR….seemingly he forgets about the LHR express which takes a mere 15 minutes. He also seems inward that when HS2 completes that will be just 38 minutes from Euston…the guy really is clueless…..

 

I see the Mechanic is at it again about DSA. saying it’s great alternative to LHR and its proposed third runway . He goes onto claim it takes 1hr 35mins to get from Kings Cross to LHR….seemingly he forgets about the LHR express which takes a mere 15 minutes. He also seems inward that when HS2 completes that will be just 38 minutes from Euston…the guy really is clueless…..

As are the folk who are his disciples. Talk about delusional!

I notice Rachel Reeves had the reopen DSA as one of the infrastructure projects to be completed as part of her ‘bid for growth’. To me it suggests it has central government approval. Not surprising really as it’s clearly party political base being a local Labour project.

She will be hoping it does re-open and does negatively impact on the airport near her constituency and second home, namely Leeds Bradford. It might save her from being put in an awkward situation should LBA submit a planning application for growth . She will hope a loss of pax from LBA to DSA will mean no further development and therefore nothing for her to object to..

 

I notice Rachel Reeves had the reopen DSA as one of the infrastructure projects to be completed as part of her ‘bid for growth’. To me it suggests it has central government approval. Not surprising really as it’s clearly party political base being a local Labour project.

It was the late 2 jags who approved it first time around because of the investment. Now everyone is attacking the very group who were able to follow through with their vision, only because its not worked out how they wanted it to. I suspect there’ll be some kick back as part of this is South East airport expansion which is highly contentious.

Yes, even though local MP Milliband has the climate portfolio it looks as though the growth card will be used to trump the climate argument. Just as 2 Jags used the investment card first time around to trump the ‘no need’ conclusion of the public inquiry in order to support a local Labour project.

 

I see the Mechanic is at it again about DSA. saying it’s great alternative to LHR and its proposed third runway . He goes onto claim it takes 1hr 35mins to get from Kings Cross to LHR….seemingly he forgets about the LHR express which takes a mere 15 minutes. He also seems inward that when HS2 completes that will be just 38 minutes from Euston…the guy really is clueless…..

Nobody and honestly Mechanic nobody wants to Visit Doncaster.. and honestly Mechanic nobody from London will travel to Doncaster to take a holiday, I promise you. Considering the 5 airports they already have to go to anywhere they want in the world, comparing to DSA that would have 15 all to the Med.

Oh look a hard truth, will it be acknowledged by the DSA brigade? Nope.

The actual sh1te and hot air he comes up with to try and get some likes / engagement is hilarious. If it doesn't fit the groups narrative as in a balanced and sensible opinions and comments, it gets removed.

 

Nobody and honestly Mechanic nobody wants to Visit Doncaster.. and honestly Mechanic nobody from London will travel to Doncaster to take a holiday, I promise you. Considering the 5 airports they already have to go to anywhere they want in the world, comparing to DSA that would have 15 all to the Med.

Oh look a hard truth, will it be acknowledged by the DSA brigade? Nope.

The actual sh1te and hot air he comes up with to try and get some likes / engagement is hilarious. If it doesn't fit the groups narrative as in a balanced and sensible opinions and comments, it gets removed.

My first time posting here but have been watching for a long time.

I live in Doncaster and think its a great shame the airport closed, but I am a realist and I am very concerned at the way City of Doncaster Council are running roughshod with the proposed spending of over £100m of gainshare funds.

I've had several run ins with Mark Chadwick. The guy is just a mouthpiece for the labour authorities and the regular engagement on his Facebook group is only about 200 people. Hardly enough to sustain the airport. The level is ignorance is outstanding and as for his comments about the 3rd runway at Heathrow, well they are just hilarious.

If the airport could be successful then I totally support it reopening and even some public money to support it but only if it was in conjunction with private investment. The lack of private investment says it all and I cannot help but think this is all political so that when the airport fails the authorities can say that they tried everything they could. It's a disgraceful waste of public money that could actually be used to improve Doncaster.

 

My first time posting here but have been watching for a long time.

I live in Doncaster and think its a great shame the airport closed, but I am a realist and I am very concerned at the way City of Doncaster Council are running roughshod with the proposed spending of over £100m of gainshare funds.

I've had several run ins with Mark Chadwick. The guy is just a mouthpiece for the labour authorities and the regular engagement on his Facebook group is only about 200 people. Hardly enough to sustain the airport. The level is ignorance is outstanding and as for his comments about the 3rd runway at Heathrow, well they are just hilarious.

If the airport could be successful then I totally support it reopening and even some public money to support it but only if it was in conjunction with private investment. The lack of private investment says it all and I cannot help but think this is all political so that when the airport fails the authorities can say that they tried everything they could. It's a disgraceful waste of public money that could actually be used to improve Doncaster.

Thanks for that Dsa-Realist, my friends in the Doncaster area all say the same. They also say they are still unlikely to ever use DSA just as they didnt before, as it was much cheaper to use MAN for their TUi flights.

 

Thanks for that Dsa-Realist, my friends in the Doncaster area all say the same. They also say they are still unlikely to ever use DSA just as they didnt before, as it was much cheaper to use MAN for their TUi flights.

Chadwick’s disciples would think I am mad but I actually enjoy the hustle and bustle of Manchester Airport. I’m fascinated by it and it’s a great start to a holiday

 

My first time posting here but have been watching for a long time.

I live in Doncaster and think its a great shame the airport closed, but I am a realist and I am very concerned at the way City of Doncaster Council are running roughshod with the proposed spending of over £100m of gainshare funds.

I've had several run ins with Mark Chadwick. The guy is just a mouthpiece for the labour authorities and the regular engagement on his Facebook group is only about 200 people. Hardly enough to sustain the airport. The level is ignorance is outstanding and as for his comments about the 3rd runway at Heathrow, well they are just hilarious.

If the airport could be successful then I totally support it reopening and even some public money to support it but only if it was in conjunction with private investment. The lack of private investment says it all and I cannot help but think this is all political so that when the airport fails the authorities can say that they tried everything they could. It's a disgraceful waste of public money that could actually be used to improve Doncaster.

Welcome DSA-realist, and thank you for your input.

I think there are a lot of people in Doncaster who were under the impression that there was serious private sector interest in the airport, not least because it’s what the authorities have had people believe this last couple of years. That it’s taken the SAU report to give an idea of what’s really been going on speaks volumes for the lack of transparency surrounding it all. They’ve used commercial sensitivity to justify the cloak of secrecy under which they’ve been operating, but with the news that they do not have private sector investment, that commercial sensitivity is largely redundant.

I can understand why they might not want to discuss whether any airlines have agreed head of terms, but a simple yes or no answer would suffice. As of late November it was a very clear ‘we cannot discuss’. However as far as the public sector procurement exercise is concerned, there is no reason for the secrecy now, other than to make political capital out of it ahead of the local elections in May.

I have a number of colleagues from SY, some worked at DSA in the past. None of them are convinced of the viability of the airport even before we found out the private sector wouldn’t be footing the bill. Now it’s a case of feeling misled by the authorities and wanting to have a say on whether it should go ahead at all given what we know now!

As for MC and his loyal group of followers who follow a positivity only policy, when it comes to the airport reopening they’ll be the first to bemoan the costs of flights and how they have to trek to MAN or wherever for their once a year holiday in Benidorm. I think most people, given the option now, would probably not support the reopening. It is just a political tool now, nobody wants the airport to remain closed on their watch as it’ll be used against them for decades, but to save face they’ll happily squander YOUR money.

 

Chadwick’s disciples would think I am mad but I actually enjoy the hustle and bustle of Manchester Airport. I’m fascinated by it and it’s a great start to a holiday

Hope you try out the hustle and bustle of LBA once the terminal is completed. Suggest you wait until 2026 when it should be a whole new experience.

 

Welcome DSA-realist, and thank you for your input.

I think there are a lot of people in Doncaster who were under the impression that there was serious private sector interest in the airport, not least because it’s what the authorities have had people believe this last couple of years. That it’s taken the SAU report to give an idea of what’s really been going on speaks volumes for the lack of transparency surrounding it all. They’ve used commercial sensitivity to justify the cloak of secrecy under which they’ve been operating, but with the news that they do not have private sector investment, that commercial sensitivity is largely redundant.

I can understand why they might not want to discuss whether any airlines have agreed head of terms, but a simple yes or no answer would suffice. As of late November it was a very clear ‘we cannot discuss’. However as far as the public sector procurement exercise is concerned, there is no reason for the secrecy now, other than to make political capital out of it ahead of the local elections in May.

I have a number of colleagues from SY, some worked at DSA in the past. None of them are convinced of the viability of the airport even before we found out the private sector wouldn’t be footing the bill. Now it’s a case of feeling misled by the authorities and wanting to have a say on whether it should go ahead at all given what we know now!

As for MC and his loyal group of followers who follow a positivity only policy, when it comes to the airport reopening they’ll be the first to bemoan the costs of flights and how they have to trek to MAN or wherever for their once a year holiday in Benidorm. I think most people, given the option now, would probably not support the reopening. It is just a political tool now, nobody wants the airport to remain closed on their watch as it’ll be used against them for decades, but to save face they’ll happily squander YOUR money.

I have been very hesitant about the whole debacle from the outset. I have never bought into Ros Jones and the councils procurement process. I’m in business and the sheer lack of regard for those of us who are realistic is staggering. Chadwick challenged me when I said the people of Doncaster don’t “deserve an airport” as only an airport that can be commercially viable is “deserved” by anybody. The hate towards LBA is out of order. I agree that from Doncaster LBA is difficult to get to however the demographic of West/North Yorkshire is vastly different to that of South Yorkshire and as a result LBA is a viable business. DSA would be far better being developed into a mixed use site bringing viable jobs into the area. Unfortunately plenty of people in this area cannot see past the end of their own nose and have only their self interest at heart.

 

I see the Mechanic is at it again about DSA. saying it’s great alternative to LHR and its proposed third runway . He goes onto claim it takes 1hr 35mins to get from Kings Cross to LHR….seemingly he forgets about the LHR express which takes a mere 15 minutes. He also seems inward that when HS2 completes that will be just 38 minutes from Euston…the guy really is clueless…..

Don't knock it! Discussing something like this keeps his baying mob away from nearby airports!

 

I have been very hesitant about the whole debacle from the outset. I have never bought into Ros Jones and the councils procurement process. I’m in business and the sheer lack of regard for those of us who are realistic is staggering. Chadwick challenged me when I said the people of Doncaster don’t “deserve an airport” as only an airport that can be commercially viable is “deserved” by anybody. The hate towards LBA is out of order. I agree that from Doncaster LBA is difficult to get to however the demographic of West/North Yorkshire is vastly different to that of South Yorkshire and as a result LBA is a viable business. DSA would be far better being developed into a mixed use site bringing viable jobs into the area. Unfortunately plenty of people in this area cannot see past the end of their own nose and have only their self interest at heart.

Yes, LBA can be awkward to get to from Doncaster, but that works both ways and for that reason there is a reluctance among many West end North Yorkshire residents (who don't live towards the South of the county) to travel to DSA, as was amply demonstrated between 2005 and 2022. The vast majority will opt for LBA or MAN.

 

Nobody and honestly Mechanic nobody wants to Visit Doncaster.. and honestly Mechanic nobody from London will travel to Doncaster to take a holiday, I promise you. Considering the 5 airports they already have to go to anywhere they want in the world, comparing to DSA that would have 15 all to the Med.

Oh look a hard truth, will it be acknowledged by the DSA brigade? Nope.

The actual sh1te and hot air he comes up with to try and get some likes / engagement is hilarious. If it doesn't fit the groups narrative as in a balanced and sensible opinions and comments, it gets removed.

I have been very hesitant about the whole debacle from the outset. I have never bought into Ros Jones and the councils procurement process. I’m in business and the sheer lack of regard for those of us who are realistic is staggering. Chadwick challenged me when I said the people of Doncaster don’t “deserve an airport” as only an airport that can be commercially viable is “deserved” by anybody. The hate towards LBA is out of order. I agree that from Doncaster LBA is difficult to get to however the demographic of West/North Yorkshire is vastly different to that of South Yorkshire and as a result LBA is a viable business. DSA would be far better being developed into a mixed use site bringing viable jobs into the area. Unfortunately plenty of people in this area cannot see past the end of their own nose and have only their self interest at heart.

The hate for LBA is driven by the narrative of the SaveDSA Facebook group and the fact that they don’t want to accept the truth. No one is allowed to present any facts or figures that may prove anything other than that Peel caused it to fail and that LBA are now the bad guys who are wanting to keep it shut.

Just take a look on the BBC Yorkshire Facebook comments about the article around DSA and the Climate. There’s already many comments blaming LBA for putting the article out and being involved. Completely delusional!

 

Yes, LBA can be awkward to get to from Doncaster, but that works both ways and for that reason there is a reluctance among many West end North Yorkshire residents (who don't live towards the South of the county) to travel to DSA, as was amply demonstrated between 2005 and 2022. The vast majority will opt for LBA or MAN.

Of course it does. People for who LBA is convenient won’t travel to DSA and it’s understandable. Additionally Manchester and East Midlands are easy enough to get to. I would love DSA to be able to open and thrive, I just don’t see that it can be substantiated with the local demographic

 

Of course it does. People for who LBA is convenient won’t travel to DSA and it’s understandable. Additionally Manchester and East Midlands are easy enough to get to. I would love DSA to be able to open and thrive, I just don’t see that it can be substantiated with the local demographic

The people for whom DSA is most convenient also have HUY nearby, and that airport is profitable and open. I appreciate DSA has far superior facilities but they come at a cost to operate and when people in Sheffield will continue to use MAN/EMA whether DSA is open or not, the size of its effective uncontested catchment area is relatively small.

I know the journey to LBA all too well and so do sympathise with people on that front, and I’ve said it so many times but if DSA could be what it was sold as back in 2003 I would be 100% behind it. But the real test was when it was open, the airlines didn’t maintain a presence there apart fun TUI and Wizz doing ok. The fact the private sector have shunned it and so they want to reopen it using tax payers money to subsidise it and blatantly distort the market should not be allowed to happen.

 

The Yorkshire region has been hugely undeserved for years even when Doncaster was open. It has always been an uphill struggle to claw back lost passengers who make the long journey across the M62.

Over recent years LBA has worked hard to claw back lost passengers and is making some reasonable gains.

I think where DSA went wrong is they believed the runway length would bring the flights Yorkshire lost to other airports. Unfortunately it doesn't work like that as airlines want to see a proven track record before they'll commit to an airport.

Whatever happens with the DSA debacle, one thing is clear which is the uphill struggle for airports this side on the Pennines isn't going to get any easier, with or without DSA.

I also think we should be careful not to highlight the environmental concerns as that could backfire on all airports seeking further expansion.