A German aviation giant has been brought in to help with the planned reopening of Doncaster Sheffield airport in 2026.
Munich Airport International (MAI), a subsidiary of the Bavarian hub, will provide operational and management services to FlyDoncaster, the airport’s operator – a wholly owned City of Doncaster Council (CDC) company.
Plymouth-based FP Airports, aviation sector specialists in the UK, will also progress the airport’s reopening, according to the council.
CDC has established FlyDoncaster and started the “mobilisation” of the airport.
Activity has already commenced on commercial flights and this latest development allows progress on activity to see passenger flights return to Doncaster.
MAI, described as “one of Europe’s most successful airport operator’s subsidiary” with operations and projects around the world, will ‘strategically partner’ the reopening of the site.
The airport shut in 2022 after former owner Peel Group said it was financially unviable and the search for a private operator to help revive flights started almost a year ago.
Doncaster mayor Ros Jones said: “Reopening our airport is my number one priority and today’s announcement is an important day for Doncaster having reached another significant milestone. We are teaming up with our strategic partner Munich Airport International to press ahead with our plans to reopen our airport.
“Munich Airport International has the pedigree in the field of aviation, share our ambition for a successful airport and they bring a wealth of experience, capacity and influence to work with us to deliver a thriving airport in Doncaster that will be a major economic stimulus for Doncaster, South Yorkshire and the north.
“The team at FP Airports has worked with us creatively to put together the right solution for DSA and we are confident that the reopening and future operation of Doncaster’s airport is in good hands.”
She added: “This major announcement that I am making today enables us to press ahead with the necessary airport mobilisation activity to see the airport – which I proudly call the people’s airport – to reopen in spring 2026.
MAI managing director Lorenzo Di Loreto said: “We are proud to support and contribute to DSA’s reopening. Our mission is to participate in the development of the airport in Doncaster into a top modern and competitive UK airport and to make it an engine and driver for social, economic and environmental growth in Doncaster and its region.”
Raoul Witherall, Chief Executive at FP Airports, said: “FP Airports is proud to support the reopening of this historic airport site and to play a key role in the city’s vision.”