Govt backs Doncaster airport plans
Rachel Reeves used today’s speech on economic growth to throw her support behind the reopening of the airport, stating that it will “drive jobs and growth across the North.”
Speaking in Oxfordshire, she said: “We will work with Doncaster Council and the Mayor of South Yorkshire Oliver Coppard to support their efforts to recreate South Yorkshire airport city as a thriving regional airport.”
The wider Airport City plan includes building homes alongside it. In November, land owner Peel announced its plans for up to 1,800 homes as part of the masterplan.
Peel closed the airport in 2022, citing viability issues.
Earlier this week, Mayor of Doncaster Ros Jones announced that the council-owned FlyDoncaster will operate the airport, which will require £100m of public money to fund its reopening in 2026.
A decision on funding is expected by the summer, but Reeves support indicates a favourable response.
In a tweet responding to her announcement, Oliver Coppard, Mayor of South Yorkshire, said: “This is a hugely welcome intervention from the chancellor, committing to work with us on our plans to develop South Yorkshire Airport City.
“That support from the government could be vital in helping us to re-open Doncaster-Sheffield Airport, and deliver our 10-year plan to unlock the significant potential of Gateway East.
“I have been committed to re-opening DSA since day one. And the best way for us to give DSA the future it deserves is to get our plan right from the start, giving us the best chance to allow our airport to thrive, creating good jobs in the industries of the future, making best use of taxpayers’ money and bringing down the carbon footprint of flying.”
