DSA owner Peel Group on Monday (26 September) announced operations at the airport would start to be wound down in just a few weeks time, stating the airport was no longer commercially viable.
It comes after Wizz Air, one of two major carriers operating out of DSA along with Tui, confirmed plans to shutter its base there this summer.
"We’re incredibly disappointed about the decision to close Doncaster Sheffield airport to passengers," said Flintham, Tui managing director UK and Ireland. "The airport has always been a popular and important regional airport for our valued customers and colleagues in the local area."
Flintham said regional airports were vital to the UK economy, and stressed Tui had always support any proposals to keep DSA open. Flintham added Tui had worked with Peel Group and the government throughout a lengthy consultation process in an attempt to prevent the closure.
Flintham confirmed communications would go out to affected customers and staff at DSA shortly, and that Tui would aim to offer all affected colleagues alternative roles. The airline and operator plans to pump additional capacity into Leeds Bradford, East Midlands and Manchester airports to cater for customers served by DSA.
Tui’s final flight from DSA will be on 4 November. "We’re working closely with our customers and colleagues on the required next steps," said Flintham. "Customer communications will be sent to those impacted shortly and we will do everything we can to offer suitable, alternative roles to colleagues.
"Doncaster customers will be contacted, in departure date order, in the coming weeks to outline their alternatives and options which will, at the very least, include the option to amend to another holiday for free or cancel and receive a full refund.
"There are a number of other airports in the region that we operate from, including East Midlands, Leeds Bradford and Manchester, so we will continue to offer great holiday options to a variety of destinations to those living in the area."
