World War 1 airport set to reopen after £160million project | UK | Travel
Doncaster Sheffield Airport is set to reopen this year following a £160 million redevelopment plan. The airport ceased operations in 2022 and remained partially abandoned after operator Peel Group deemed it financially unsustainable.
The ambitious reopening plan, supported by local authorities, will see the airport resume cargo operations this year and commercial passenger services until 2027. Doncaster Sheffield Airport is currently working with operator Fly Doncaster to identify suitable airport operational partners. FlyDoncaster Executive Director of Airport Operations Simon Hinchley said: “As we look to reopen Doncaster Sheffield Airport, our focus is on building a safe, efficient and operationally sound airport that is ready to serve a wide range of users from day one.”
“South Yorkshire Mayor Oliver Coppard and Council Leaders have taken a historic decision to reopen Doncaster Sheffield Airport by approving a £160 million funding package that will see commercial flights return to the region.”
According to Fly Doncaster, the refurbished terminal will serve up to four million passengers. It is estimated that the airport will bring £5 billion to the regional economy by 2050.
Originally established in 1915 as a military airfield and RAF base by the Royal Flying Corps during World War I, Doncaster Sheffield Airport was established to intercept German Zeppelins.
The area of South Yorkshire formerly known as Robin Hood Airport took its previous name from its association with the legendary Robin Hood story.
Originally designed to transport some of the largest and heaviest aircraft, the airport has one of the longest runways in the country at 2,895 metres. Doncaster Sheffield became a commercial passenger airport in 2005.
