Battle to reopen once-loved UK airport that flew across Europe & locals call ‘jewel in our crown’

A ONCE-popular airport may be able to reopen thanks to a new £3million plan.

Doncaster Sheffield Airport was forced to close last year after the Peel Group, who owns it, said it was no longer "commercially viable".

2

However, Doncaster Council is hoping to buy the airport back from the Peel Airports Group and reopen it.

The purchase of the airport, called Project South Yorkshire Airport City, could cost as much as £3.1million, with Peel recently offering to lease the airport to the city.

A statement from Doncaster Council said: "Peel has recently offered a lease of the airport to the City of Doncaster Council.

";Discussions are taking place to progress this option and to explore whether a lease at a longer term and on a different commercial basis than that initially offered by Peel could provide a basis upon which to achieve the Council’s objectives.

Read more on airports

PLANE ANNOYING

Airport security worker reveals the most annoying passengers - are you one?

COSTA LOT

How a simple airport mistake could leave you out of pocket - avoid being scammed

"The Council will continue discussions with Peel over the potential sale but is continuing preparations in the event that a CPO becomes necessary."

Doncaster Mayor Ros Jones said the fight for the airport was "not over".

She said: "The acquisition process will take time and it will not be cheap.

"However, this airport has the potential to be the jewel in the crown of the Doncaster and South Yorkshire economy.

Most read in News Travel

PLAY ON

Small island airport's upgrade plans have new roof terrace and kids play area

PITCH UP

I'm spending Xmas Day camping - it's cheaper than being home & I'll eat in pub

ON THE UP

Unusual tourist attraction's £18million revamp plans include 'grand' new entrance

SIT IT OUT

New ‘plane seat squatting’ trend that is driving passengers mad on flights

"It is an investment in the future of this great city and the region."

A meeting is set to take place this month discussing the future of the airport.

Doncaster Sheffield Airport first opened in 2005 and was the 29th biggest airport in the UK.

It was voted the best UK airport, according to Which? and had flights to popular hotpots in Europe such as Tenerife and Lanzarote.

However, the airport was hit hard when airline Wizz Air pulled out, leaving just TUI flights in operation and eventually leading to its closure in 2022.

It's not just Doncaster Sheffield Airport that could soon reopen.

Manston Airport in Kent is being rebuilt and will launch flights to the UK this summer.

And Plymouth Airport hopes to reopen after being closed for more than a decade.

2