Paving the way for growth: The reopening of Doncaster Sheffield Airport and its impact on regional aviation
September 20, 2025
Since the announcement of a £160 million funding package for the reopening of Doncaster Sheffield Airport (DSA) earlier this month, excitement has rippled from both the aviation sector and local communities.
The funding approval from South Yorkshire authorities paves the way for passenger flights to restart between 2027 and 2028. Freight flights are expected to resume in summer 2026.
DSA’s reopening an opportunity for local businesses
For aviation services group, 2Excel, the reopening bolsters the company’s ambitions to restart commercial flight operations from its Doncaster base.
“It’s not just about returning Doncaster’s facilities to what was lost but involves creating a truly world-class airport,” read a company statement. “We look forward to being a key part of what’s been labelled “South Yorkshire Airport City” and retaining our Group hub in Doncaster to complement our spoke bases around the reaches of the UK and Ireland.”
Why did Doncaster Sheffield Airport close?
Doncaster Sheffield Airport, which launched operations in 2005, was closed in 2022 when owners Peel Group declared it “commercially unviable”. Since then, 2Excel Group alongside other local businesses has actively campaigned for its revival.
South Yorkshire Mayor, Oliver Coppard, expressed his commitment to the project saying: “Decision done. We’re reopening DSA and building a sustainable aviation and advanced manufacturing hub right here at Gateway East in Doncaster.”
He added the reopening of the airport is not just about holiday flights. “It’s about accelerating jobs, growth and opportunity in Doncaster and right across South Yorkshire.”
He also noted: “None of this easy, it will take time. It’s a long-term plan, but we’re ready for take-off!” Coppard enthused.
We. Are. Reopening. DSA.
— Oliver Coppard (@olivercoppard) September 9, 2025
We are cleared for take-off.
Today, alongside colleagues from across SY, I have proudly taken the decision to fund the reopening of Doncaster Sheffield Airport and the creation of an advanced manufacturing hub, at Gateway East in Doncaster. pic.twitter.com/Kph7mHtJb6
Another local business, Heamar, is equally enthusiastic about the reopening. The precision tooling and lighting distributor company’s managing director, David Martin said it will provide a “welcome boost for UK aviation” and is a “timely opportunity for the region.”
Highlighting the potential for collaboration between operators and maintenance facilities , he noted: “MRO capacity will also need to scale for newer airframes and avionics, including composite repair, high-voltage and fibre-optic capability and data-driven maintenance practices.”
He continued: “Done well, this programme will lift safety and reliability, create skilled jobs and build a resilient regional hub.”
Doncaster City Council is also on a recruitment drive and is currently seeking three senior managers – Head of General Aviation and Cargo, Head of Fire Rescue and Emergency Planning and Head of Assets – to help ready the airport.
According to Christian Foster , South Yorkshire Airport City Director, “These jobs are vital to manage the comprehensive, technical, regulatory and legal operating requirements of an airport. This is the first tranche of the recruitment and these roles will support the further roll out of jobs in the future.”
Why is the reopening of Doncaster Sheffield a strategic shift for regional connectivity?
Amid a broader trend of airports across the UK changing ownership and undergoing strategic shifts, the reopening of Doncaster Sheffield highlights the dynamic nature of the UK’s airport sector. It reflects a strategic shift towards enhancing regional connectivity and infrastructure resilience.
The airport will be operated by FlyDoncaster, a council-owned company, with support from Munich Airport International (MAI), which will bring global expertise to help meet the region’s growing aviation demands.
The UK Government has also backed the reopening with Chancellor Rachel Reeves pledging continued support earlier this year. Speaking in January, she said: “We will work with Doncaster City Council and the Mayor of South Yorkshire, Oliver Coppard, to support their efforts to recreated South Yorkshire Airport City as a thriving regional airport”.
Not all plain sailing: Critics have raised concerns
The reopening of the airport is, however, not without its critics. Some have questioned the financial sustainability of the airport, citing its history of operating losses and the initial decision for its closure by the Peel. Vincent Hodder, CEO of Leeds Bradford Airport, has expressed concerns about the use of taxpayer money to subsidise airline operations at DSA, arguing that it distorts market competition and is unsustainable.
Environmental enthusiasts have also voiced their concern about the potential ecological impact of reopening the airport. The Grantham Centre for Sustainable Futures at the University of Sheffield has highlighted that the technologies for sustainable aviation are not yet fully developed, and reopening the airport could exacerbate carbon emissions during a climate crisis.
Meanwhile, in a report for Shef News earlier this year, South Yorkshire Climate Alliance spokesperson, Chris Broome, said: “Reopening Doncaster’s airport would be completely incompatible with a serious and adequate response to the climate emergency…. We are also aware that experts are seriously questioning the soundness of the confidential business case for the airport… If measures such as frequent flyers’ tax are introduced the business case could fall apart.”
Charting a new course for regional aviation
Whether fully supported or not, the reopening of DSA represents a significant chapter in the UK’s aviation sector. With a major funding boost now secured and strong backing from both local authorities and government, the coming years will be vital in determining whether this ambitious plan to revitalise the airport will chart a new course for the development of regional aviation.
