Doncaster Sheffield Airport reopening plans have taken a major step forward after Doncaster Council confirmed £57 million (US$71.3 million) in previously approved borrowing at an Extraordinary Council Meeting held on May 11, 2026.
The airport opened its doors in 2005 and closed in 2022 with its final flights serviced by TUI Airways. In 2019, the airport recorded over 1.4 million passengers with a network of over 20 destinations.
The funding, first agreed in November 2025, will support early-stage work linked to the revival of Doncaster Sheffield Airport through the council-owned scheme FlyDoncaster. It is designed to bridge initial development activity ahead of anticipated funding streams intended to support the wider long-term regeneration of the site. Councillors voted to proceed with the borrowing, effectively clearing the way for program activity to restart.
A City of Doncaster Council spokesperson said the decision enables the airport program to move forward again, with engagement set to resume with the site’s landowner. The council reiterated its long-standing commitment to reopening Doncaster Sheffield Airport, framing it as a key driver of regional employment and economic expansion.
“We remain committed to reopening Doncaster Sheffield Airport and delivering the jobs and growth it will bring to the region,” the spokesperson said. “Work will continue at pace in partnership with SYMCA and other stakeholders, subject to ongoing risk management and the progression of funding agreements.”
The South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA) remains a key strategic partner in the project, which is expected to play a central role in regional connectivity and investment attraction.
As a representative of business groups, the Doncaster Chamber highlighted strong private-sector backing, noting that more than 80 local organizations signed an open letter supporting the airport’s reopening.
Chief executive Dan Fell said the outcome should mark a shift from debate to delivery, stressing the importance of restoring momentum and avoiding further delays.
The reopening of Doncaster Sheffield Airport is projected to deliver up to £5 billion in economic value to the region by 2050, according to council-backed estimates, positioning it as one of the most significant infrastructure and regeneration initiatives in South Yorkshire.
