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...?

 

Yes, I have noticed this also. The tone is changing towards freight. I’m guessing the mechanic must also know that it’s unlikely to open to holiday passengers next year, and that will slowly feed into his posts.

It’s a shame people are being lied to. An old lady posted she had been delaying her holiday until summer next year, as it’s easier for her to fly from Doncaster. I did feel for her, she is getting feed this information from what she thinks is a reputable source, the Mayor, doncaster chambers etc,

I think at this point they’ll say what they need to to get it across the line. Like @GolfFox says, they’re too far in now to just backtrack on it. I can’t see Coppard rejecting it now either, and Central Government have pledged their support so it’s overwhelmingly political given the gains of Reform in Doncaster in May.

Now it’ll be a case of managing expectations without explicitly stating anything. My guess at the moment is, unless they’ve secured airline(s), they’ll reopen it to GA/Freight and will tell people that passenger flights are being worked out for 2027/2028.

In other apparently airport related news, the Government have agreed a contract with Rolls Royce to build small nuclear reactors. This has implications for Holtec who will now downscale and delay their Doncaster commitment that was sold as an airport win only days ago..

Holtec is disappointed by the outcome of the Great British Nuclear Small Modular Reactor (SMR) tender but extends its congratulations to Rolls-Royce SMR.

This decision by GBN means that Holtec's plans for a significant manufacturing facility in South Yorkshire will now be scaled back in size and delayed in terms of timeframe.

Despite the outcome from this competition, Holtec remains resolute in its belief that Holtec’s SMR-300 is among the most advanced, safe, and deployable reactor designs in the world. Our participation in the tender has further reinforced the global interest in our technology, and we are grateful for the opportunity to showcase our capabilities.

Looking ahead, Holtec is intensifying its focus on partnerships with private-sector clients in the United Kingdom that can move at pace and international stakeholders who are seeking proven, scalable SMR solutions. With active engagements in North America, Asia, and other regions, we are well-positioned to bring clean, reliable nuclear energy to a broad range of applications—including industrial decarbonization, grid support, and remote power generation.

Our commitment to innovation, safety, and energy security remains unwavering, and we thank our partners and supporters across the UK for their continued interest in Holtec’s world class technology.

One wonders whether this announcement only last week was a cynical ploy to get the contract across the line… Obviously not to be. So that’s one non-aviation user now not likely to bring much to Gateway East…

 

I think at this point they’ll say what they need to to get it across the line. Like @GolfFox says, they’re too far in now to just backtrack on it. I can’t see Coppard rejecting it now either, and Central Government have pledged their support so it’s overwhelmingly political given the gains of Reform in Doncaster in May.

Now it’ll be a case of managing expectations without explicitly stating anything. My guess at the moment is, unless they’ve secured airline(s), they’ll reopen it to GA/Freight and will tell people that passenger flights are being worked out for 2027/2028.

In other apparently airport related news, the Government have agreed a contract with Rolls Royce to build small nuclear reactors. This had implications for Holtec who will now downscale and delay their Doncaster commitment that was sold as an airport win only days ago..


One wonders whether this announcement cement only last week was a cynical ploy to get the contract across the line… Obviously not to be. So that’s one non-aviation user now not likely to bring much to Gateway East…

No doubt The Mechanic and the CDC Spin people will be working on something suggesting that this is yet more great news and will boost their plans for reopening DSA.

 

No doubt The Mechanic and the CDC Spin people will be working on something suggesting that this is yet more great news and will boost their plans for reopening DSA.

Well they’ll say something about Holtec remaining committed to South Yorkshire, in fact Coppard already has. But this non aviation development that we’re told is intrinsic in the success of South Yorkshire Airport City can only be seen as another blow.

The SYMCA/CDC PR need to not be so presumptuous I feel, because this is another big news item that is apparently now undeliverable.

 

Get ready for the squeals of delight from DSA supporters, as the Chancellor has mentioned her support for the airport in her Spending Review speech. Support, but with no mention of any actual money, a point I'm sure which will be lost on the aforementioned group. But to put it into context, she also is claiming credit for nearly a quarter of the Trans-Pennine rail route being electrified, pretty much all of which was completed and funded by the previous government. So "support" doesn't mean a whole lot, and certainly no funding has been committed as far as I can see without reading the full review.

Edit: Just working through the document now, and no mention of Doncaster at all, though to be fair it's fairly light on detail for most actual commitments.

 

Get ready for the squeals of delight from DSA supporters, as the Chancellor has mentioned her support for the airport in her Spending Review speech. Support, but with no mention of any actual money, a point I'm sure which will be lost on the aforementioned group. But to put it into context, she also is claiming credit for nearly a quarter of the Trans-Pennine rail route being electrified, pretty much all of which was completed and funded by the previous government. So "support" doesn't mean a whole lot, and certainly no funding has been committed as far as I can see without reading the full review.

Edit: Just working through the document now, and no mention of Doncaster at all, though to be fair it's fairly light on detail for most actual commitments.

Looks like it’s just the Government taking credit for devolved schemes again. Nothing to see here, least not until Coppard announces the result of the ‘independent financial viability assessment’.

Dan Fell has written an article for YP on the subject, can’t see it all but he mentions Holtec which may not have aged well.

 

the Holtec scale back, is a big blow to the airport/gateway east .
Holtec had a grant of £30 million from the government to look at 3 site.
and im sure the airship project was going to be based in south doncaster, not gateway east.

 

the Holtec scale back, is a big blow to the airport/gateway east .
Holtec had a grant of £30 million from the government to look at 3 site.
and im sure the airship project was going to be based in south doncaster, not gateway east.

I read that the Airship project was based at Carcroft Common? It would have seemed appropriate to base it at DSA to provide a much needed revenue stream. In respect of Holtec, never picked up that they had a £30 million Government Grant - but then as an 'aviation' man I wouldn't but then imagine the Government signing a deal with RR which virtually kills the Holtec project?

 

Lots going on at Doncaster Airport as we prepare to reopen next year!

- We have appointed an interim Operations Director, who has a wealth of experience and proven tack record from East Midlands who will help to get the airport open for business.

- Last week I attended the ‘What's Next’ Business Conference hosted by Doncaster Chamber, of course the hot topic was the airport and it’s incredible to see the level of business support and backing.

- We are working with Department for Transport, CAA, Trax International and Cyrrus to undertake our Airspace Change Process and Aerodrome Certification, this includes purchasing and installing big ticket items such as; Radar, Air Traffic Control, Fire Equipment and Landing Lights.

- Yesterday Rachel Reeves reiterated the support of UK Government at the spending review yesterday and in April they allocated £30m towards the reopening (to be devolved to SYMCA via the Integrated Settlement).

The next stage is the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined AuthorityGainshare decision this summer!

#DoncasterIsGreat #Delivering4Doncaster #saveDSA SAVE Doncaster Sheffield Airport #SaveDSA

As if by magic, Ros Jones (hmmm) makes a statement. Forget Holtec everyone, they’ve appointed Cyrrus to reinstate airspace etc.. Only I’m pretty sure they were the ones who submitted a statement of need to the CAA back in August last year. In fairness though Trax International is a new one to this debacle, suppose they got to get those arrival and departure procedures designed…

 

Ros Jones has commented that one of the problems of the previous operator was….. High fees charged to airlines. Yes that’s right, she’s still trotting out the same old nonsense. She claims next time it’ll be commercially competitive.

So we have evidence that Peel ran one of the most low cost friendly airports in the U.K., we have evidence that they invested significant sums in marketing with their partnerships with FlyBe and the Fly DSA Arena. They invested in equipping the airport with the best lighting, navigation and landing systems of any regional airport in the U.K. in its history it had operations from all but one of the major leisure and low cost airlines in the U.K.

Yet Ros Jones, someone who can’t even announce the word Doncaster properly, is still claiming a fallacy that Peel must have pointed out to them by now is completely false.

It defies belief at this point.

Mayor assessing Doncaster Sheffield Airport contracts and lease arrangements in audit

South Yorkshire Mayor Oliver Coppard has said he is working “at breakneck speed” to make a decision on Doncaster Sheffield Airport, but this must “balance both the financial risks and huge opportunities”.

www.yorkshirepost.co.uk

Coppard explaining his reasoning for the delays. Basically it’s lots of money and a big risk, something we already know. However he has to ‘balance off the risk with the benefits it will unlock’.

My take, for what it’s worth, is that the risk is a visible element. The benefits are hypothetical and, as we’ve already seen, can be based purely on plucking figures out of thin air. Let’s hope he doesn’t let the politics cloud his judgement. If the independent scrutiny comes back with less than positive outcomes on his head be it to still grant the funding.

Note also the YP have failed to acknowledge that the CAA have decided to remove the airspace, they report it as a positive that the ‘CAA have agreed to redraw the airspace’.

 

Reading the DSA support pages on Facebook, the same theme is recurring. Folk saying stuff like, 'when is it reopening?', 'which airlines and holiday companies are flying from there?', 'are the brochures for 2026 printed yet?', 'I'm desperate for a holiday and I'll only fly from Doncaster'. And so on. There seems to be a widespread failure to accept that 2026 isn't happening. Nor 2027 more than likely. And if they're THAT desperate for their holiday, they have no choice but to fly from a different airport. Whichever that may be.
I don't buy the desperation angle for a minute but I do picture lots of heads in sand.

 

With so many heads in the sand maybe they are expecting it to open next Dune!

 

Reading the DSA support pages on Facebook, the same theme is recurring. Folk saying stuff like, 'when is it reopening?', 'which airlines and holiday companies are flying from there?', 'are the brochures for 2026 printed yet?', 'I'm desperate for a holiday and I'll only fly from Doncaster'. And so on. There seems to be a widespread failure to accept that 2026 isn't happening. Nor 2027 more than likely. And if they're THAT desperate for their holiday, they have no choice but to fly from a different airport. Whichever that may be.
I don't buy the desperation angle for a minute but I do picture lots of heads in sand.

It’s very strange. If you’re that bothered about a holiday abroad (and let’s face it, you’re talking a 6-7 hour journey all in to ALC when factoring in time at the airport, transfers etc) then what difference does a 60-90 minute journey to EMA/LBA/MAN make?

In the last few years, since Covid, I’ve flown leisure from BHX, EMA, STN, HUY and MAN. Only one of those is within an hours journey time of me.

They want the option only to then moan that it’s too expensive and so they’re going from MAN instead. Just no comprehension whatsoever and not helped at all by Ros Jones playing to the narrative (and I’ve noticed deleting comments again on social media that challenge this narrative).

 

As if by magic, Ros Jones (hmmm) makes a statement. Forget Holtec everyone, they’ve appointed Cyrrus to reinstate airspace etc.. Only I’m pretty sure they were the ones who submitted a statement of need to the CAA back in August last year. In fairness though Trax International is a new one to this debacle, suppose they got to get those arrival and departure procedures designed…

Yes - Cyrrus did indeed submit the statement of need. Still at stage 1 on the Airspace change portal. I guess they can design all they want but if they do not get any airlines signed up they may not need any controlled airspace. CAA have said as much!

 

Yes - Cyrrus did indeed submit the statement of need. Still at stage 1 on the Airspace change portal. I guess they can design all they want but if they do not get any airlines signed up they may not need any controlled airspace. CAA have said as much!

Expect the CAA will want to see the nature of flight operations at a reopened DSA before they’ll even look at any ACP seriously, and the only real way will be either flights going on sale and freight operators announcing intentions, or actually waiting until the airport is operational and assessing the situation then. The CAA are clearly not convinced that passenger flights will play as much a part this time around regardless of what Ros Jones might want people to believe.

Looks like Dan Fell from Doncaster CoC is to receive an MBE..

 

Mechanic will be getting one next, the Doncaster free press media star! His public services to a Facebook page and spreading misinformation/changing the narrative to fit the agenda. Maybe he should be become a politician

 

Looks like Dan Fell from Doncaster CoC is to receive an MBE..

It is however an MBE that stands for Most B******t Ever

 

Dan of course is Labour just like the Mechanic and the name in the frame for Chair of FlyDoncaster

 

Strange I thought DSA had perfect road links…..obviously National Highways think much differently……Having been stuck in traffic numerous times in both the dual carriageway A1 and M18 numerous times most folk know it certainly isn’t the case!!
Very much doubt improving one junction will change this situation!

‘Improvements required’ to M18 junction set to serve Doncaster Sheffield Airport

Plans are being drawn up to upgrade the M18 motorway junction set to serve Doncaster Sheffield Airport and over 1,000 homes in Gateway East.

www.doncasterfreepress.co.uk

 

Strange I thought DSA had perfect road links…..obviously National Highways think much differently……Having been stuck in traffic numerous times in both the dual carriageway A1 and M18 numerous times most folk know it certainly isn’t the case!!
Very much doubt improving one junction will change this situation!

‘Improvements required’ to M18 junction set to serve Doncaster Sheffield Airport

Plans are being drawn up to upgrade the M18 motorway junction set to serve Doncaster Sheffield Airport and over 1,000 homes in Gateway East.

www.doncasterfreepress.co.uk

Key bit here is the housing, more housing naturally means more cars. Something that will only get worse if/when the airport gets turned over for housing and industry.

 

Key bit here is the housing, more housing naturally means more cars. Something that will only get worse if/when the airport gets turned over for housing and industry.

And no doubt new residents to the area won’t be too keen on aircraft noise……an airport surrounded by residential development is never a good mix - that said it may not be an issue at DSA!