Officials from the airline jetted into Doncaster this week as part of a whistlestop tour of UK airports.

Lesley Kane, head of sales and marketing, told airport bosses that Ryanair - which currently offers three European destinations - would remain at Doncaster for the "foreseeable future".

No new destinations or flights were announced, but Robin Hood management urged people to "watch this space" with negotiations ongoing.

Nick Smillie, aviation sales director for Peel Airports Limited, said: "We feel very positive about the airport and its huge potential.
People have got to understand that it takes time to develop new routes. I think we're performing well given the current climate.

"It's obviously great news to have companies like Ryanair say your services are performing well. They have not announced anything new but they have reaffirmed their commitment to the airport.

"You've got to be careful that you work hard with the business you have already got."

Airport director Mike Morton added: "It's great news to have Ryanair commit themselves to the service we provide. We think of them as long term partners and long may it continue."

Ryanair recently reported record numbers for its services from South Yorkshire to Dublin, Barcelona and Alicante.

More than half a million passengers have travelled to Spain and Ireland since the routes were launched.

XL, Futura and Zoom airlines have all gone bust in recent months amid the economic downturn.

Meanwhile, a leading baggage handling firm has announced a review into current staffing levels at Robin Hood Airport.

Bosses at Servisair, however, insist that only "one or two" jobs are at risk.

The global company took on 74 workers in 2005 responsible for checking passengers in, issuing boarding cards, handling luggage and loading aircraft at the Finningley terminal.

A Servisair spokesman said: "The situation is that because of the changing nature of the aviation industry we're having to look at the mix of full-time and part time positions.

"One or two temporary positions at the most may be lost as a result of this review."

Servisair staff voted in favour of industrial action two years ago in a row over pay only for last minute talks to prevent a strike.

Last month the airport failed in its appeal against an earlier decision by Doncaster Council not to grant it business rate relief backdated for five years.

Documents prepared by airport bosses for the council and discussed in public session made out a case for financial hardship.

The airport, opened in 2004 with £9m of public money and £100m of private cash, lost over £9.6m during the 2005-06 financial year with
heavy losses expected to continue until 2010.