The long-awaited return of Doncaster Sheffield Airport (DSA) has moved a step closer after South Yorkshire leaders approved almost £160 million in funding to support its reopening.
At a meeting of the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA) Board, chaired by Mayor Oliver Coppard, members voted to award the funding to City of Doncaster Council, paving the way for the airport to fully reopen.
The decision followed consideration of other options, including deferring the commitment until commercial negotiations were further advanced, or withdrawing public funding altogether in favour of alternative delivery models. Ultimately, leaders backed the multi-million-pound package, though it remains subject to a series of conditions designed to address outstanding concerns.
Last year, Doncaster Council secured a 125-year lease on the site following negotiations with former owners, the Peel Group. The authority has since created a wholly owned subsidiary, Fly Doncaster, to oversee the project, with Munich Airport International appointed as a strategic partner to support the redevelopment and long-term operation of the airport.
Independent forecasts suggest that reopening DSA could deliver a major economic uplift, generating more than 5,000 direct jobs and a further 6,500 indirect roles. The wider impact could see up to £6.6 billion added to the regional economy once the airport is fully operational.
With the funding secured, work will now focus on meeting the necessary conditions and finalising commercial arrangements to bring Doncaster Sheffield Airport back to life.
