The South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority and City of Doncaster Council have released a Surface Access Statement detailing how transport links could support the reopening of Doncaster Sheffield Airport (DSA) and the wider Gateway East development.
The 43-page document outlines the measures needed to strengthen road, rail, and public transport connections, positioning the airport as a key driver of regional growth. The report presents a phased framework that identifies short-, medium-, and long-term priorities to underpin future investment and economic activity.
DSA’s existing advantages include a long runway, uncongested airspace, and its location within a 90-minute drive of millions of people. It also benefits from direct access to the M18 via Great Yorkshire Way and strong rail connections from Doncaster Station. However, the report identifies poor public transport links as a major barrier, with limited direct connectivity between Sheffield and the airport. Car travel remains the dominant mode of access, raising concerns about congestion and social inclusion.
The report highlights Junction 3 of the M18 as the most pressing infrastructure constraint. A £50 million upgrade plan has been designed to expand capacity and ease congestion, but funding remains unresolved. Resolving this issue would unlock Gateway East’s wider development potential and boost investor confidence.
A proposed rail station linking DSA to the East Coast Main Line and Lincoln Line forms part of the long-term vision. While not required at reopening, it is seen as essential for supporting future employment and freight growth. Bus and active travel improvements are also included in the phased approach to improve accessibility for local communities.
Sustainability is a central theme, with the report suggesting that better transport links could cut emissions by reducing longer car journeys to other airports. Aligning commercial and climate priorities is viewed as critical to ensuring the site’s long-term viability.
For businesses, the statement signals a clear direction of travel. Junction 3 funding is identified as the immediate priority, followed by investment in public transport to better connect Sheffield and the surrounding areas. Reliable road, rail, and freight access will determine whether the airport can serve as a viable logistics and passenger hub, supporting both Gateway East and the broader South Yorkshire economy.
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