An abandoned airport in England could reopen to the public and resume flight operations. An announcement to this effect is expected after behind-the-scenes talks. Doncaster-Sheffield Airport was set to close at the end of 2022.
Locals and passengers reacted angrily when the airport was closed just 17 days after it opened, after owners Peel Group claimed it was “not commercially viable” at the time. This happened despite Doncaster City Council offering to support operations for a year while a new operator was found.
The closure is said to have cost 800 jobs and affected a further 2,700. But there are recent positive signs that the abandoned airport could be given new life.
Read more: TUI issues a “three-hour warning period” for all flights from Birmingham Airport before June
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Doncaster Mayor Ros Jones said tour operator TUI was “eager to return to our airport,” the Mirror reports. The German tour operator was the last major airline to operate flights from the Yorkshire travel hub before it closed its runways.
“We have put TUI in touch with bidders to explore their return to our airport and we are confident we will see the TUI brand back in Doncaster,” the Mayor said. “With the right operator, our airport has incredible potential to really thrive and be the economic boost we believe it can and should be.”
“Our vision is a world-leading centre for sustainable aviation and the operator will share this vision and work with us to make it a reality. Once the procurement process is complete, we will make the announcement.”
In August, it was reported that the mayor’s office and the Labour-led Doncaster City Council were close to agreeing a 100-year lease on the site with the Peel Group, which would allow flights to resume within two years. But funding has been blocked.
In February, it was reported that Peel had agreed to consider a lease with a new operator, giving Doncaster Council access to £138 million in funding to negotiate a lease. In his latest statement, Mayor Jones quoted a comment from a TUI spokesperson who said: “TUI has always supported Doncaster Sheffield Airport, was proud to fly in customers from the local area and was disappointed when the airport closed. Doncaster Sheffield Airport provided a fantastic airport experience for our customers and we look forward to actively engaging with stakeholders about a potential reopening.”
The mayor added: “Things will be a little quieter over the next few months as the confidential process of selecting an operator comes to an end. With the right operator, our airport has incredible potential to really thrive and be the economic boost we all know it can and should be.”
“Our vision is a world-leading centre for sustainable aviation and the operator will share this vision and work with us to make it a reality. Once the procurement process is complete, we will make the announcement.”
