Doncaster Sheffield Airport closure: what we know so far, what it means for passengers and full statement

Doncaster Sheffield Airport bosses have announced the airport could close.

A DSA spokesperson said “aviation activity on the site may no longer be commercially viable.”

The news comes after the departure of a number of top bosses as well as budget airline Wizz Air cancelling flights.

Here’s what we know so far:

Has Doncaster Sheffield Airport closed and what does it mean for passengers?

The airport has announced it’s “begun a review of strategic options for the Airport” with a tweet on the official Twitter account advising passengers that the airport will continue to operate as normal during the Strategic Review.

A statement added that the “review follows lengthy deliberations by the Board of DSA which has reluctantly concluded that aviation activity on the site may no longer be commercially viable”.

Passengers who are due to travel to the airport have been advised to arrive and check-in as normal. With a tweet adding: “If there are any disruptions with your flight, you will be contacted by your airline in good time“.

Doncaster Sheffield Airport’s full statement

In a statement released on Wednesday 13 July, a spokesman said: “The Board of Doncaster Sheffield Airport (DSA) has begun a review of strategic options for the Airport.

“This review follows lengthy deliberations by the Board of DSA which has reluctantly concluded that aviation activity on the site may no longer be commercially viable.

“DSA’s owner, the Peel Group, as the Airport’s principal funder, has reviewed the conclusions of the Board of DSA and commissioned external independent advice in order to evaluate and test the conclusions drawn, which concurs with the Board’s initial findings.

“Since the Peel Group acquired the Airport site in 1999 and converted it into an international commercial airport, which opened in 2005, significant amounts have been invested in the terminal, the airfield and its operations, both in relation to the original conversion and subsequently to improve the facilities and infrastructure on offer to create an award winning airport.

“However, despite growth in passenger numbers, DSA has never achieved the critical mass required to become profitable and this fundamental issue of a shortfall in passenger numbers is exacerbated by the announcement on 10 June 2022 of the unilateral withdrawal of the Wizz Air based aircraft, leaving the Airport with only one base carrier, namely TUI.

“This challenge has been increased by other changes in the aviation market, the well-publicised impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and increasingly important environmental considerations. It has therefore been concluded that aviation activity may no longer be the use for the site which delivers the maximum economic and environmental benefit to the region.

“Against this backdrop, DSA and the Peel Group, will initiate a consultation and engagement programme with stakeholders on the future of the site and how best to maximise and capitalise on future economic growth opportunities for Doncaster and the wider Sheffield City Region.

“The wider Peel Group is already delivering significant development and business opportunities on its adjoining GatewayEast development including the recent deal for over 400,000 sq ft logistics and advanced manufacturing development on site, creating hundreds of new jobs and delivering further economic investment in the region.”

Robert Hough, Chairman of Peel Airports Group, which includes Doncaster Sheffield Airport, added: “It is a critical time for aviation globally. Despite pandemic related travel restrictions slowly drawing to a close, we are still facing ongoing obstacles and dynamic long-term threats to the future of the aviation industry. The actions by Wizz to sacrifice its base at Doncaster to shore up its business opportunities at other bases in the South of England are a significant blow for the Airport.

“Now is the right time to review how DSA can best create future growth opportunities for Doncaster and for South Yorkshire. The Peel Group remains committed to delivering economic growth, job opportunities and prosperity for Doncaster and the wider region.

“DSA and the Peel Group pride themselves on being forward-thinking whilst prioritising the welfare of staff and customers alike. As such, no further public comments will be made whilst they undertake this engagement period with all stakeholders.”