DSA closed last November with owner Peel Group citing a "fundamental lack of financial viability". It followed Wizz Air’s decision to close its base there, leaving the airport with just one carrier – Tui.
Discussions, though, have been ongoing for the best part of a year to bring the airport back into use, resulting in Doncaster’s Labour mayor Ros Jones and her City of Doncaster Council cabinet last week resolving to support – unanimously – the airport’s reopening.
The council said the airport was a viable proposition, one that "could be in profit within five years of reopening".
Under the council’s South Yorkshire Airport City (SYAC) proposal, Peel Group would continue to own the site but would lease it to the council. The council proposes to put operational responsibility out to tender, with a view to negotiating operations with a successful party, or awarding a contract, early next year.
At its height, DSA handled more than 1.4 million passengers in 2019. The council believes this could rise to two million a year by year 10 of its proposal.
"Informal market engagement has demonstrated that there is interest from multiple potential private sector organisations in reopening and operating the airport on a leasehold or freehold basis," said the council.
In its report, the council revealed 11 organisations declared an interest in a market engagement event held in July, with six completing an associated questionnaire. Four additional organisations have subsequently declared an interest in DSA.
“Reopening Doncaster Sheffield airport is my number one priority,“ said Jones. "We are hopeful that a lease can be secured and look forward to working with interested parties in the reopening the airport.
"We have already initially tested the market for those industry experts who can partner with us to get the airport reopened as soon as we can. If we get the lease agreed then reopening the airport will not happen overnight of course but it would be a huge step forward."
