South Yorkshire has taken a significant step towards reopening Doncaster Sheffield Airport after regional leaders approved plans for the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority to proceed with a landmark acquisition of the airport and the neighbouring Innovation Quarter employment site.
The decision, agreed at a recent SYMCA Board meeting, authorises the authority to enter into an agreement with Peel Land, subject to the successful completion of negotiations and legal processes.
The move represents a major milestone in plans to revive the former airport and deliver the wider South Yorkshire Airport City vision. The project aims to establish one of the UK's leading centres for sustainable aviation, advanced manufacturing and innovation, while unlocking substantial economic opportunities for the region.
By bringing the airport and surrounding development land into public ownership, regional leaders believe they can provide the certainty, flexibility and long-term stewardship required to attract investment, support business growth and create thousands of high-quality jobs.
South Yorkshire's Mayor Oliver Coppard said:
“Today is a big step on the journey to reopening Doncaster Sheffield Airport and building a world leading sustainable aviation hub at Gateway East. All four Leaders across South Yorkshire have joined me in backing our deal to bring DSA and the adjacent Innovation Quarter employment land back into public ownership, putting one of the biggest and best growth opportunities in our region – and our future – back in our hands.
“Four years ago, we were told our airport was closing. Alongside Ros Jones, I promised I would do everything I could to save it, but I’d always put the interests of taxpayers at the heart of any decision. I meant it. And that’s why I’m so pleased we’ve got that deal over the line today, because it means I’ve kept that promise.
“We’ve had to work incredibly hard to get here. After months of negotiations with Peel, and the greater flexibility and confidence we now have as a result of devolution, we’ve reached a deal that I genuinely believe can offer huge opportunity to people across South Yorkshire.
“There's still work to do, not least Peel now need to formally approve the deal, and there’s some legal process to get through. But today we’ve taken another huge step towards an airport owned and controlled by us, for us.
“My focus is now on getting our airport open, creating thousands of good jobs and realising the massive potential of one of South Yorkshire’s biggest economic opportunities, so everyone here can stay near and go far.”
Doncaster Sheffield Airport ceased operations in November 2022, leaving South Yorkshire without a commercial airport and creating uncertainty over the future of the site.
Since its closure, SYMCA, Doncaster Council, local MPs, central government and other stakeholders have worked closely to explore options for reopening the airport and securing long-term investment in the surrounding area.
Significant progress has already been made behind the scenes. Airport teams have recruited experienced senior aviation leaders, advanced regulatory requirements such as Airspace Change Proposals and begun procuring critical operational equipment, including a new radar system and fire tenders.
Over the past year, negotiations between SYMCA and Peel Land have intensified as both parties examined future ownership and development options. Following those discussions, South Yorkshire's local authority leaders have agreed that public ownership represents the most viable route to delivering the airport's reopening and supporting the wider Airport City vision.
Regional leaders see the proposed acquisition as a transformational opportunity that extends well beyond aviation. Alongside restoring passenger services, the Airport City development is expected to support advanced manufacturing, innovation-led businesses and sustainable aviation technologies.
If completed, the deal would provide South Yorkshire with direct control over one of its most strategically important development sites, creating the conditions for major private-sector investment and delivering thousands of jobs across the region.
While final approval from Peel and the completion of legal agreements are still required, the decision marks one of the most significant developments in efforts to bring Doncaster Sheffield Airport back into operation.
Image credit: iStock
