Plans to reopen Doncaster Sheffield Airport continue 'at pace' - mayor
But there's no update yet on crucial negotiations over the airport lease
The reopening of Doncaster Sheffield Airport is continuing “at pace,” Mayor Ros Jones has said, but there’s no update on the crucial lease renegotiation.
Mayor Jones and the City of Doncaster Council are seeking to reopen the airport using a public-funding package worth more than £160m in total, however, much of that cash has yet to be released.
Significant funding from the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA) will only be made available to Doncaster Council upon the successful renegotiation of the lease between the authority and the airport landowners, the Peel Group.
The renegotiation is up against the clock, after councillors were informed in July 2026 that the reopening could “run out” of money in September. Without extra funding, members said they were told the reopening would be “over basically”.
Despite the looming deadline, Mayor Jones had no update on the lease in a new statement.
She said: “The progress to reopen the airport is of course in the minds of many and we are determined to see the airport fully reopen as soon as possible and reach its full potential. Works are continuing at pace, including the Airspace Change Process consultation.
“In relation to the renegotiated lease, a further update will be provided at the appropriate time.”
Consultation recently began on proposed changes to the airspace around Doncaster Sheffield Airport – a key step in the reopening. According to a timeline set out by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), the organisation aims to make a decision on the airspace in May 2027.
Doncaster Sheffield Airport cannot return to full operations without approved airspace.