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...?

 

I really don't see what he is so upset about - the narrative on his page is usually over optimistic and often only one side of the story which obviously is going to lead to questions when the promised event doesn't happen as described - I believe he knows that! It will not however affect the reality of the situation however much propaganda is posted or however many comments are banned. The post regarding what OC said which has generated some comments he doesn't like apparently, is only common sense from a Mayor who is the gatekeeper of public funds and is likely to have gleaned much more inside information than the baying mob are aware of.

I think Coppard has some more information that isn’t being shared, I’m wondering whether the independent review has taken into account the findings by York and the SAU? It must surely have consulted key stakeholders to determine whether there is appetite for DSA at all. I don’t think there’s much but I could of course be wrong. MAI most recently banging the drum for freight so maybe there’s some tangible interest on that side of things. But the people want passenger flights, they’re going to feel short changed if the airport reopens but doesn’t give them what they want.

 

I really don't see what he is so upset about - the narrative on his page is usually over optimistic and often only one side of the story which obviously is going to lead to questions when the promised event doesn't happen as described - I believe he knows that! It will not however affect the reality of the situation however much propaganda is posted or however many comments are banned. The post regarding what OC said which has generated some comments he doesn't like apparently, is only common sense from a Mayor who is the gatekeeper of public funds and is likely to have gleaned much more inside information than the baying mob are aware of.

I'm dying to see his response if/when the DSA vanity project is canned due to lack of airline interest and viability. He's dug himself a hole the size of the Grand Canyon!

 

Coppard has today stated to the SYMCA board that a decision on funding is likely to be made in ‘early September’:

Oliver Coppard says decision on funding to reopen airport coming 'early September'

The South Yorkshire Mayor Oliver Coppard has said he hopes to make a decision on funding for Doncaster Sheffield Airport by “early September”.

www.doncasterfreepress.co.uk

Far too late, I would suggest, for a full reopening by Spring 2026 if a positive decision is made. I’m still not convinced any airlines are all that interested and Coppard has made clear that he needs confidence that they are before approving release of the funding.

 

Coppard has today stated to the SYMCA board that a decision on funding is likely to be made in ‘early September’:

Oliver Coppard says decision on funding to reopen airport coming 'early September'

The South Yorkshire Mayor Oliver Coppard has said he hopes to make a decision on funding for Doncaster Sheffield Airport by “early September”.

www.doncasterfreepress.co.uk

Far too late, I would suggest, for a full reopening by Spring 2026 if a positive decision is made. I’m still not convinced any airlines are all that interested and Coppard has made clear that he needs confidence that they are before approving release of the funding.

I am aware (first hand) that certain equipment fundamental to licensing for pax. flights is on 12 months delivery - and tenders have not yet gone out - so unless they can beg, steal or borrow interim equipment - if indeed there is any available - Spring 2026 is looking a non starter for other than perhaps G.A. VFR. Frankly I would think airlines (if indeed there are any intending to commit) will want to see the field licensed first which with the timescale then to sort out any meaningful schedules might even drag it on to 2028. In spite of the 'unprecedented news' that Dft, CAA, CDC (with Cyrrus and Trax) and SYMCA are all working together to expedite the re-establishment of the airspace (still at stage 1 on the ACP) I doubt there will be much sign of that either before 2028 - assuming of course CDC can evidence sufficient scheduled movements to even justify it in the eyes of the CAA.

 

I am aware (first hand) that certain equipment fundamental to licensing for pax. flights is on 12 months delivery - and tenders have not yet gone out - so unless they can beg, steal or borrow interim equipment - if indeed there is any available - Spring 2026 is looking a non starter for other than perhaps G.A. VFR. Frankly I would think airlines (if indeed there are any intending to commit) will want to see the field licensed first which with the timescale then to sort out any meaningful schedules might even drag it on to 2028. In spite of the 'unprecedented news' that Dft, CAA, CDC (with Cyrrus and Trax) and SYMCA are all working together to expedite the re-establishment of the airspace (still at stage 1 on the ACP) I doubt there will be much sign of that either before 2028 - assuming of course CDC can evidence sufficient scheduled movements to even justify it in the eyes of the CAA.

I don’t think they do have airlines interested. Maybe TUI but even then I think they’ll be watching closely with what the business looks like and whether there will be sustainable access to funding to see the airport continue operating. It could even mean that if they are interested they may even only offer flights by non-based aircraft that could be absorbed easily into other airports should things go wrong again. Goes without saying that in such a scenario the likelihood of breakeven is incredibly small.

I have noticed nuanced language changes from Coppard, both in his written statements and in responses to challenges on his social media. Ros Jones has once again been deleting posts and has now set to comments only for followers, this suggests to me there are certain clear as day glaring holes in the whole thing and she doesn’t want to gain traction.

Something just feels very off about it all, indeed to me it always has (a point that won’t surprise anyone here), but it’s the lack of any news whatsoever that I find strange now. They’ve politicised it, Ros got re-elected by a very tight margin and I feel now Coppard feels his political job is done.

 

I don’t think they do have airlines interested. Maybe TUI but even then I think they’ll be watching closely with what the business looks like and whether there will be sustainable access to funding to see the airport continue operating. It could even mean that if they are interested they may even only offer flights by non-based aircraft that could be absorbed easily into other airports should things go wrong again. Goes without saying that in such a scenario the likelihood of breakeven is incredibly small.

I have noticed nuanced language changes from Coppard, both in his written statements and in responses to challenges on his social media. Ros Jones has once again been deleting posts and has now set to comments only for followers, this suggests to me there are certain clear as day glaring holes in the whole thing and she doesn’t want to gain traction.

Something just feels very off about it all, indeed to me it always has (a point that won’t surprise anyone here), but it’s the lack of any news whatsoever that I find strange now. They’ve politicised it, Ros got re-elected by a very tight margin and I feel now Coppard feels his political job is done.

TUI are interested because a cabin crew member at EMA who used to work at DSA said they are desperate for it to open and be back in a heartbeat…

 

TUI are interested because a cabin crew member at EMA who used to work at DSA said they are desperate for it to open and be back in a heartbeat…

Air Europe and Aviogenex are also interested.

 

WOW Coppard!!!!

Interesting post he has made on Facebook.

"At today’s MCA meeting I have made clear our intention to make a final decision about the investment for South Yorkshire Airport City and Doncaster Sheffield Airport in early September."

The way he has put this is looking at two individual projects.

Could this allow him to green light funding for SYAC, yet allow for him to deny funding for reopening the airport.

Is this a Baldrick moment with "a cunning plan" emerging.

 

WOW Coppard!!!!

Interesting post he has made on Facebook.

"At today’s MCA meeting I have made clear our intention to make a final decision about the investment for South Yorkshire Airport City and Doncaster Sheffield Airport in early September."

The way he has put this is looking at two individual projects.

Could this allow him to green light funding for SYAC, yet allow for him to deny funding for reopening the airport.

Is this a Baldrick moment with "a cunning plan" emerging.

I did notice that too. The airport and Gateway East seem always to have been talked about as one 'entity' which is something the SAU picked up on and sent CDC away to re-word the plan. As clearly the majority of jobs will come from the Gateway East development and OC is most certainly talking as if it were to be two separate entities you may well be right. Does Gateway East really need the airport??

 

I did notice that too. The airport and Gateway East seem always to have been talked about as one 'entity' which is something the SAU picked up on and sent CDC away to re-word the plan. As clearly the majority of jobs will come from the Gateway East development and OC is most certainly talking as if it were to be two separate entities you may well be right. Does Gateway East really need the airport??

No Gateway East does not need the airport, Peel had plans for it already and they would have progressed regardless of whether the airport was open or not.

Having listened to Coppards official announcement at today’s SYMCA meeting it is delivered in a more upbeat (if still slightly non-comital) tone. It gives the impression that he’s trying to make the square peg fit the round hole, but assures everyone that it has to be the best use of tax payers money etc etc.

Mentions, amongst other things, having a ‘development agency’ working on the project to maximise the development of the area. Also an ‘international aviation consultancy’ reviewing the growth forecasts because they were modelled in 2023. International isn’t what you need, you need national because they are best placed to provide appraisal of the regional demand. Of course other agencies and consultants have been appointed as part of ‘due dilligance’.

What they’re really doing is rewriting the business plan yet again because they got caught short when the procurement exercise returned zero interest.

I expect some kind of unattainable model based on an assumption that a load of new airlines are suddenly going to appear from nowhere. It’s what seems to be driving CWL and MME..

 

I agree, it does feel now there is the potential for this project perhaps to unfold into: Phase a) open airport for freight & other industries (paint shop etc.., whatever the plan secret master plan is), inform the public that once we get airlines interested then phase b) open terminal will happen (and that’s an if). This saves money and risk.

I notice the chambers are trying to put pressure on to OC in a statement today ““While we recognise and respect the Mayor’s role in ensuring due diligence and scrutiny on such a significant investment, we echo our position from our own AGM today: the risks of prolonged delay and indecision are far greater than the risks of proceeding at pace.”

This shows at least an understanding of competition growing locally for both freight & passengers at the surrounding airports.

I still don’t understand why an airport is essential to grow manufacturing jobs etc in the area. And why gateway east cannot survive without it. If this was the case, then why did it not unlock this golden River before.

 

I agree, it does feel now there is the potential for this project perhaps to unfold into: Phase a) open airport for freight & other industries (paint shop etc.., whatever the plan secret master plan is), inform the public that once we get airlines interested then phase b) open terminal will happen (and that’s an if). This saves money and risk.

I notice the chambers are trying to put pressure on to OC in a statement today ““While we recognise and respect the Mayor’s role in ensuring due diligence and scrutiny on such a significant investment, we echo our position from our own AGM today: the risks of prolonged delay and indecision are far greater than the risks of proceeding at pace.”

This shows at least an understanding of competition growing locally for both freight & passengers at the surrounding airports.

I still don’t understand why an airport is essential to grow manufacturing jobs etc in the area. And why gateway east cannot survive without it. If this was the case, then why did it not unlock this golden River before.

I think they believe easyJet could be swayed, along with TUI, to open a base there instead of LBA. I’m certain they’ll be talking to them about the prospect now and therefore can’t try to formalise anything until the funding is guaranteed. As we know though airlines can be in talks until the 11th hour then do something completely different. easyJet may even be using then for leverage in their negotiations with LBA.

I also do not understand this. Nothing that has been made public yet would have its success predicated on there being an airport apart from 2Excel. In fact we now know that Holtec have revised their timeline and expansion plans due to losing the Government tender to a UK based company. So in effect a non aviation tenant has been deterred due to not winning a contract.

The SAU itself needed differentiation that at the time wasn’t provided and as far as I can see still hasn’t been answered.

 

Coppard has responded to Dan Fell as quoted in a YP article;

Mr Coppard has hired independent financial auditors to go through the finances of the plan ahead of the final decision in September.
“I think when the Chamber sees some of the work we’ve done and some of the things we’ve both found out … they will understand why we’ve taken that step,” he said.

'Still a big if' whether Doncaster Sheffield Airport reopens, mayor says

South Yorkshire Mayor Oliver Coppard has said “it is still a big if” as to whether Doncaster Sheffield Airport reopens, despite the raft of Government backing.

redirect.viglink.com

Sounds a bit ominous, wonder whether his auditors too have found issue with the plan along with York Aviation and others?

 

Expectations are being carefully managed in everything OC has said recently…

 

Coppard has responded to Dan Fell as quoted in a YP article;

'Still a big if' whether Doncaster Sheffield Airport reopens, mayor says

South Yorkshire Mayor Oliver Coppard has said “it is still a big if” as to whether Doncaster Sheffield Airport reopens, despite the raft of Government backing.

redirect.viglink.com

Sounds a bit ominous, wonder whether his auditors too have found issue with the plan along with York Aviation and others?

Interesting statement from Coppard about thinks being uncovered…
Not sure why he would have been surprised by the things they’ve found out given the private sector did their own due diligence and walked away citing lack of return on any investment and significant commercial risk….

 

It all sounds as if the penny is dropping with OC (finally) that this really isn't a good idea. The support from Labour was always about votes. That battle is over.

 

Interesting statement from Coppard about thinks being uncovered…
Not sure why he would have been surprised by the things they’ve found out given the private sector did their own due diligence and walked away citing lack of return on any investment and significant commercial risk….

I don’t think he’s been all that involved. Maybe he’s shown up to a few of the echo chamber events that have been laid on over the years but I doubt he’s been in position to see the facts laid out. There’s been a blatant attempt to hide certain things from the public and lots of obfuscation, clearly he’s supported Ros Jones cos tbh wear the same colour rosette but ultimately he’s always taken a bit of a suspicious stance on the whole thing.

Everyone needs to remember his first public statements when reopening was being mentioned. It’s the private sector who need to be running airports., Clearly they won’t be in this instance.

 

The most interesting bit from that YP is from chief executive of Doncaster Chamber of Commerce, Dan Fell:

The mayor has come under criticism from business leaders for this timescale, with the chief executive of Doncaster Chamber of Commerce, Dan Fell, saying: “The risks of prolonged delay and indecision are far greater than the risks of proceeding at pace.”


Mr Coppard hit back at this, telling The Yorkshire Post: “If and when - and it is still a big if - we do take that step to fund the airport then we’ve got to get that right.
“I don’t think Doncaster Chamber of Commerce … would take a decision without being fully sighted on the opportunities and what the challenges look like.

I'd fascinated to know what he thinks the risks are to not proceeding with DSA that far exceed the risks of rushing ahead? I mean asides from the obvious impact to local politician egos, having spent years selling the idea that Doncaster will become a major international hub (and not some small regional airport with half a dozen bucket and spade flights a day in the summer).

That quote sounds to me like CDC are starting to panic because Coppard isn't warming to the project anymore, if indeed he ever did. I'm going to expect more language like this in the near future, and for CDC to line up Coppard as the Scapegoat-in-Chief when what seems increasingly to be the inevitable rejection.

 

maybe this is where the money is going now, it does mention gainshare.
this was the site where the new hospital was earmarked for.
all the services and roads are completed.they are just removing the soil now, and its ready to go.
it must have been a huge blow with ,Holtec not coming.

Mayor of Doncaster, Ros Jones, said: “The Waterfront area represents a major development opportunity for the City of Doncaster. Doncaster Waterfront is one of the largest brownfield sites in the country with incredible potential for development. Remediation works are well underway and will set the groundwork for these future plans and unlock the incredible opportunities of this area, near to our beloved Minster and Doncaster Markets.
“The plans tie in with our aspirations for Doncaster to become a hub for digital technology, to attract investment, jobs and growth for the whole of Doncaster. Our aim is to link up the Waterfront with the ‘beating heart’ of our city centre linking city centre living, business, retail, culture and leisure activity together to provide a much more connected city centre, further enhancing the vibrancy of this area.”

The Waterfront remediation works are being funded by the UK Government, and through gainshare funding from South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA).

 

The most interesting bit from that YP is from chief executive of Doncaster Chamber of Commerce, Dan Fell:


I'd fascinated to know what he thinks the risks are to not proceeding with DSA that far exceed the risks of rushing ahead? I mean asides from the obvious impact to local politician egos, having spent years selling the idea that Doncaster will become a major international hub (and not some small regional airport with half a dozen bucket and spade flights a day in the summer).

That quote sounds to me like CDC are starting to panic because Coppard isn't warming to the project anymore, if indeed he ever did. I'm going to expect more language like this in the near future, and for CDC to line up Coppard as the Scapegoat-in-Chief when what seems increasingly to be the inevitable rejection.

I think this is why he’s angling for more support from Government, he doesn’t want to be solely responsible for potentially (or in our belief highly likely) signing off the wasting of almost the entire allocation of Doncaster’s Gainshare. Let’s not forget that the money is available in tranches over decades and so they will need to borrow against it!