Chancellor Rachel Reeves threw her weight behind efforts to reopen DSA during a speech on growth and economic development on Wednesday (29 January), during which she pledged the government’s support for expanding Heathrow airport.
Update: Major European airport operator to support DSA reopening
Mayor of Doncaster Ros Jones reiterated her belief the airport would begin operating again in spring 2026 after an as yet unnamed bidder was identified to run it. "Chancellor backs efforts to reopen DSA," Jones posted on X, formerly Twitter.
Reeves said the airport had closed despite local opposition: “The last government stood by as DSA 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.”
She said the government would work with local authorities to create “South Yorkshire Airport City”. Doncaster Sheffield closed in June 2022 after Wizz Air pulled out, leaving Tui as the only operator.
Reeves’ comments followed a meeting of Doncaster Council, which was told an “international operator” was ready to work with it. The council has established FlyDoncaster, a wholly owned limited company, to run the airport.
Jones told the meeting: “Its key initial role is to mobilise the re-opening of the airport for passenger flights in spring 2026.
“This is set to be the largest single investment in Doncaster for more than a generation, hence the considerable level of due diligence and our rigorous and logical approach to accomplish this monumental challenge of saving and re-opening our airport.
“We are not over the line yet, but we are nearly there.”
The next stage will be approval of a budget, set for 27 February.
