Doncaster Sheffield Airport wins backing to reopen
April 10, 2025
South Yorkshire’s dormant Doncaster Sheffield Airport could soon be revived following a multi-million pound investment confirmed by the region’s mayor and backed by the government.
The plans aim to restore the airport to an important aviation hub for the north of England, with forecasts suggesting it could support 5,000 jobs, inject £5 billion into the economy, and deliver £2 billion in wider benefits by 2050.
Once a key regional gateway, the airport has remained unused despite widespread backing for its revival. The last commercial flight to operate out of Doncaster Sheffield Airport took off in 2022.
The new funding commitment by South Yorkshire Mayor Oliver Coppard, backed by the prime minister, has been welcomed by local leaders and businesses.
The investment will enable the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA) to channel resources into establishing a sustainable aviation hub.
A dedicated working group involving SYMCA, Doncaster Council, and the government has been created to oversee the reopening of the airport and to explore the broader benefits it could deliver.
The group met for the first time on Wednesday, bringing together key figures including Aviation Minister Mike Kane and South Yorkshire Mayor Oliver Coppard.
Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner said: “If we are to really grow our economy and put money into the pockets of working people, regional growth needs to be hardwired into the decisions that we make.
“That’s why we have wasted no time in kick starting Local Growth Plans, owned by local leaders, and why, through our bold devolution plans, we can back our mayors and get opportunities for jobs and growth off the ground – just as they will with this thriving regional airport.
“Previous governments stood by as Doncaster Sheffield Airport was closed by its owner despite the overwhelming support for it to stay open. It now sits idle despite the potential to drive jobs and growth across the north. I am delighted to work with City of Doncaster Council and the Mayor of South Yorkshire Oliver Coppard to support their efforts to recreate South Yorkshire Airport City as a thriving regional airport.”
Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander also welcomed the plan, saying: “This Government will stop at nothing to fuel economic growth and deliver prosperity for people up and down the country, as part of our Plan for Change.
“I’m thrilled to see devolved funding for South Yorkshire being used to revitalise the airport project, and boost the region as a whole, and I look forward to the first flights taking to the sky.”
Mayor Oliver Coppard added: “This significant funding package, alongside the cross-departmental government working group we have now set up, is a vital signal of our shared commitment to our airport, to growth, to creating good jobs in our communities, and to the future of Doncaster and South Yorkshire.
“Since day one, we have been fighting for our airport, so we can create good jobs in the industries of the future and play our part in developing the sustainable aviation technologies of tomorrow. To now have the support of a government who don’t just understand that opportunity but truly want to help us realise it, couldn’t be more important.”
