Doncaster Council has confirmed a major funding package to advance the full reopening of Doncaster Sheffield Airport, following Full Council endorsement on 27 November.
The programme will move forward with £193m secured from several sources, including £160m from the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority, the South Yorkshire Local Growth Fund, and the City of Doncaster Council. Councillors have authorised up to £57m in borrowing to cover upfront and early-phase reopening costs. The borrowing forms part of the wider financial plan approved by regional leaders in September and is expected to be repaid without affecting the council’s broader budget.
Mayor Ros Jones welcomed the decision: “I would like to thank councillors who supported this critically important decision because without this funding support we would not be able to fully reopen Doncaster Sheffield Airport. Had we not secured this cross party support the programme would have had to stop, that was the enormity of the decision taken by Full Council.
“This decision now underlines the council’s commitment and determination to see our airport fully reopen and is a significant moment in our reopening journey. I would like to thank councillors for their support. Thank you on behalf of Doncaster residents and businesses who want to see our airport open again.”
The financial model outlined to councillors shows borrowing requirements peaking in 2032–33 before declining. Forecasts indicate that commercial activity through FlyDoncaster Ltd could accelerate repayment if projected profits are achieved. A Cabinet report earlier this month suggested the airport could generate up to £230m in pre-tax and interest profit between 2035 and 2049.
Council documents highlight anticipated economic benefits linked to the airport’s return, including skilled jobs, investment opportunities, tourism activity, and strengthened regional resilience.
More than 8,700 people have responded to the ongoing public survey, with the vast majority expressing support for reopening.
