Ros Jones, mayor of Doncaster, has said that tour operator TUI is “keen to return to our airport” as plans to reopen the abandoned Doncaster Sheffield Airport continue
An abandoned airport could soon be reopened and flights to sun-drenched destinations taking off once again.
There are new, positive signs that the recently closed Doncaster-Sheffield Airport could be de-mothballed and reopened to the public. Ros Jones, mayor of Doncaster, has said that tour operator TUI is “keen to return to our airport.”
The German package holiday firm was the last major airline to fly out from the Yorkshire travel hub before it closed at the end of 2022.
“We have engaged TUI with the bidders for their return to our airport to be explored and we are hopeful that we will see TUI’s brand back in Doncaster. With the right operator our airport has incredible potential to truly thrive and be the economic stimulus that we all know it can and should be,” the mayor told local media.
“Our vision is for a world leading centre for sustainable aviation and the operator will share this vision and work in partnership with us to make it a reality. Once the procurement process is concluded we will make the announcement.”
Locals reacted furiously when the airport was shut down one and a half years ago, just 17 years after it opened. Owners Peel Group claimed it was not “commercially viable” at the time – despite Mr Coppard and Doncaster Council offering to underwrite operations for a year while a new airport operator could be found.
When the airport was shut down it was understood that 800 jobs were lost and 2,700 more impacted. It closed just months after then Prime Minister Liz Truss told the House of Commons “we will protect this airport and this infrastructure”.
In August, this newspaper revealed the Mayor’s office and Labour-run Doncaster council were on the verge of agreeing a deal with Peel Group to take on a 100-year lease on the site – which could see flights taking off again within two years.
It was then reported that Tory Ministers blocked £30 million in funding that could help a Labour mayor re-open a northern airport. Local Labour leaders had been working to revive the scuppered travel, seeing its return as a crucial part of providing transport in the north with a much-needed boost after Rishi Sunak ‘s scrapping of HS2.
In February it was reported that Peel had agreed to consider a leasehold agreement with a new operator, which gives Doncaster Council access to £138million in funding to work with potential investors to negotiate a leasehold agreement, Yorkshire Post reported.
During his recent statement Mayor Jones shared a comment from a TUI spokesperson, who said: “TUI has always supported Doncaster Sheffield Airport, proudly flying customers from the region and were disappointed when the airport closed. Doncaster Sheffield Airport delivered a fantastic airport experience for our customers, and we are excited about actively engaging with stakeholders about a potential re-opening.”
Mayor Jones added: “For the next couple of months or so it will be a bit quiet, as the confidential process to appoint an operator reaches its conclusion. With the right operator our airport has incredible potential to truly thrive and be the economic stimulus that we all know it can and should be.
“Our vision is for a world leading centre for sustainable aviation and the operator will share this vision and work in partnership with us to make it a reality. Once the procurement process is concluded we will make the announcement.”
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