According to the Yorkshire Post, Copeland told an online question and answer session the airport – which saw its last commercial flight earlier this month – could be back in business by April or May next year if a takeover deal is reached.
Talks between Peel and a business consortium are reportedly ongoing following the closure of the airport on 4 November.
Mark Chadwick, creator of the Save Doncaster Sheffield Airport Facebook page, which hosted the online Q&A, reportedly said: "We will be waiting for the investors and Peel to do a deal before we know what’s happening with the future of DSA.
"If all goes well and a deal is done the airport could be open to passenger travel by April/May time.
"If all fails, talks stop and no purchase happens, then Doncaster Council and South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority are prepared to take this further and carry out a Compulsory Purchase Order on the airport site."
