Doncaster Sheffield Airport purchase approved as reopening plans move forward

South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority has approved plans to buy Doncaster Sheffield Airport from Peel, taking a further step towards reopening the airport under public ownership.

The decision on Tuesday 27 October covers both the airport and neighbouring Innovation Quarter employment land, BBC News reports. The transaction still requires Peel’s formal approval and legal work before it can be completed.

How public ownership would work

The combined authority would hold the freehold and become landlord under City of Doncaster Council’s lease. Local authorities would then own both the airport site and Fly Doncaster Ltd, the arm’s-length company established by the council to operate it.

Peel Land had initially been expected to lease the site, but negotiations over the past 12 months explored other arrangements. The airport closed in November 2022, and the council has pursued a publicly funded reopening after efforts to secure a private operator failed.

South Yorkshire Mayor Oliver Coppard said the agreement followed months of negotiations. He linked the project to his ambitions for jobs across South Yorkshire and a sustainable aviation hub at Gateway East.

Doncaster Mayor Ros Jones said reopening the airport remained her leading priority. Dan Fell, chief executive of Doncaster Chamber, welcomed the purchase decision, saying the commitment could strengthen confidence among airlines, commercial partners and investors.

Reopening timetable and next steps

Freight operations are planned for autumn 2027, followed by passenger flights in spring 2028. Both depend on completing the regulatory and operational work needed to reopen.

Stephen Wild, managing director of Peel Land, said the company would continue working with the combined authority to finalise the transaction.

City of Doncaster Council’s cabinet is scheduled to consider transitional arrangements on Wednesday 28 October. Coppard will also hold a public meeting at Club Doncaster Sports Village at 6pm GMT on Monday 9 November to give an update and take questions.

Source: BBC News