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The previous DSA, also known as Doncaster Sheffield Airport, may make an impressive comeback to operational aviation following the lease agreement between the local council and the site’s owner, Peel Group.
16 months after the final departure from the South Yorkshire airport, an announcement was made. The airport is located on the former site of RAF Finningley, a former air force base, and is situated six miles from Doncaster and 19 miles from Sheffield.
“When the airport was closed, the owner Peel Group stated that they had not received any concrete proposals about acquiring ownership or addressing the issue of financial sustainability.”
In 2022, during autumn, the former prime minister, Liz Truss, promised to safeguard the airport and its infrastructure. However, no actions were taken to preserve it.
However, the mayor of Doncaster, Ros Jones from the Labour party, has recently agreed to a contract that would allow the city council to assume control of the airport.
“I am pleased to announce that we have secured a 125-year lease for the former DSA, which will secure the future of the airport and ultimately allow for flights to resume in Doncaster once again.”
The mayor then announced, “This marks a significant milestone in the process of reopening. Our next priority is selecting an operator and investor to oversee and enhance the airport.”
“I am confident that I can formalize a partnership in the near future as this process is currently progressing smoothly.”
It is uncertain which airport company may be interested in managing DSA. The owner of Stansted, East Midlands, and Manchester airports, Manchester Airports Group, is not expected to get involved in a venture that could weaken its current operations.
In the event that the airport becomes operational, Doncaster Sheffield may potentially undergo a name change. Upon its initial launch for travelers in 2005, it was referred to as Robin Hood airport.
According to aviation schedule analyst Sean Moulton, the new operator will face challenges in attracting airlines to the revived Doncaster Sheffield airport and ensuring its profitability.
The previous owner did not have success with it, and it will be difficult due to airlines focusing on larger airports for consolidation.
Rewritten: Doncaster Sheffield is within a one-hour drive from four major airports. These include Humberside Airport at a distance of 28 miles, Leeds Bradford Airport at 38 miles, East Midlands Airport at 46 miles, and Manchester Airport at 53 miles.
Source: independent.co.uk
