Doncaster Sheffield Airport is moving closer to a potential reopening after productive talks with major airlines, including TUI and Ryanair. The airport, which has been closed since November 2022, is now under the management of FlyDoncaster, a company formed by Doncaster Council to oversee its revival.
The revival plan hinges on securing airline partnerships and necessary infrastructure upgrades. The council has set a new timeline for operations to resume by Spring 2026. In the meantime, key decisions, including the allocation of Gainshare funding, are expected by early September, which will determine the next steps for finalising plans and securing airline commitments.
Ryanair, once a key player at the airport, has shown interest in returning, while TUI, which had previously been the airport’s primary airline, has expressed a willingness to re-engage. The involvement of Munich Airport International (MAI) is seen as vital, bringing operational expertise to the project, and discussions about airline routes are ongoing.
The move to reopen the airport comes after it was closed due to financial struggles under previous ownership by the Peel Group. At its peak, the airport saw 1.25 million passengers annually. FlyDoncaster is now focused on diversifying its airline partners, with plans to secure multiple airlines rather than relying on a single provider as it did in the past. This expansion is expected to play a key role in ensuring the airport’s long-term success.
