RESIDENTS who live next to the UK’s biggest ‘ghost’ airport have said they can’t wait for it to finally reopen.
Doncaster Sheffield Airport once operated flights to destinations such as Spain and Cyprus.
Doncaster Sheffield could open by spring 2026 – four years after it closed[/caption]
Mark Feneley hoped for the best but was wary about setbacks[/caption]
But the airport, which closed in 2022, could reopen in the near future as plans continue to progress.
Locals who live in the shadow of the airport in Auckley have voiced support for its regeneration and say it can bring many benefits to the town.
Ian Duncan, who lives in the area, said the closure of Doncaster Sheffield Airport (DSA) had a big impact on people in the area.
He told YorkshireLive: “There’s a lot of people who used to use that. I mean, I live two minutes away, we always flew from Doncaster.
“Now, I have to go an hour, an hour-and-a-half, two hours sometimes, to Manchester or Heathrow. It’s affected a lot of people and it has touched businesses as well like the hotels.
He added: “You talk to anybody and all the people say it’s a lovely airport. There’s no hassle, it’s just in and out.”
Doncaster Council, along with the city’s mayor Ros Jones and the Mayor of South Yorkshire, Oliver Coppard, have been pushing hard for the airport to reopen.
Just a few months ago, the city’s mayor said that they had reached a “major milestone” in reopening.
Now, Chancellor Rachel Reeves has also thrown her weight behind plans for the re-opening of the airport.
The local council has signed an 125-year lease for the site, in co-operation with the current owners Peel.
Martin Forrestall said on the future reopening: “It’ll regenerate the area. There’s a lot more houses being built in the area.
“Just getting away, we’ve been travelling to the Midlands, Leeds Bradford, and really we’ve got an airport on our doorstep.”
And Ray Relf is another local who is looking forward to the reopening, with the hope it will bring much-needed improvements to the area.
However, some residents do have concerns, especially surrounding the airport’s longer term future.
Mark Feneley said the airport has never really caused problems for people in the area in regards to noise or traffic.
But he does have some concerns about whether the airport could remain competitive.
The airport first opened in 2005 and was even named one of the best in the UK.
In addition, a further £20 million has been put towards reopening the airport this month and a German company, Munich Airport International, have also signed on to provide services at the airport along with UK-based FP Airports.
As a result, Doncaster Sheffield Airport certainly looks to locals as though it will reopen soon.
Previously named Robin Hood Airport, it welcomed up to 2.8million passengers a year, being one of just two commercial airports in Yorkshire.
And Doncaster Sheffield isn’t the only UK airport hoping to reopen.
Kent’s Manston Airport has expressed desires to relaunch commercial flights.
And Plymouth Airport – which closed 13 years ago – could also reopen to the public, serving a million passengers a year.
Quietest UK Airports
- Humberside – 136,976
Humberside stands out as the quietest UK airport with 136,976 terminal departures in 2023
- Southend – 146,072
Second on the list goes to Southend, as Southend-on-Sea airport had 146,072 departures
- Teesside – 226,557
With 226,557 terminal passengers last year, Teesside International Airport will be one of the quietest for UK travellers
- Norwich – 357,852
Norwich is also one of the quietest airports in the UK with 357,852
- Newquay – 408,870
To round out the list, Cornwall airport in Newquay ranks inside the top 5 with 408,870 passengers
Plans to return have been met by a happy reaction from residents[/caption]
The airport opened in 2005, then called Robin Hood Airport[/caption]
