Regional leaders in South Yorkshire have approved £3 million of funding as part of plans to reopen Doncaster Sheffield airport in spring 2026.
The South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority Board agreed to provide the funds to enable City of Doncaster Council to progress with “reinstatement activity” and continue commercial negotiations.
Doncaster council is close to agreeing a new operator for the airport after signing a 125-year lease agreement with the owners of the site.
A statement said: “South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA) and City of Doncaster Council are working at pace but there are still a series of milestones to be delivered to ensure the airport is fully operational for passenger flights in 2026.
“Commercial negotiations between City of Doncaster Council and the bidder are still ongoing, with a particular focus on the level of public control and investment.”
The statement noted that the regional mayor and the rest of the SYMCA board “remain determined to ensure an appropriate level of public control over decisions impacting the future of the airport, and to take as much time as necessary to get the deal right”.
The airport has been closed since November 2022 after site owners Peel Group said it was no longer financially viable.
The South Yorkshire Airport City concept would see not just the airport reopen but also a 10-year plan to drive economic growth in Doncaster and the wider region.
South Yorkshire mayor Oliver Coppard said: “I remain completely committed to reopening Doncaster Sheffield airport and creating a world leading sustainable aviation hub.
“That’s why, together with the MCA board, we have authorised the release of £3 million for City of Doncaster Council in support of their plans for the airport.
“This money is part of the £138 million that South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority have already committed to releasing, subject to the right deal being struck with the right partner.
“The deal we sign must offer a secure future for our airport, create growth in the economy, and offer real value for taxpayers.”
Doncaster mayor Ros Jones added: “This is another successful stage completed in our plan to see planes take off from Doncaster once again.
“This support from South Yorkshire Mayoral Authority (SYMCA) and South Yorkshire leaders is critical in helping us to reopen our airport and realise the incredible potential for Doncaster, South Yorkshire and the wider region. I would like to thank them for their unanimous support.
“We have identified a bidder to manage and operate the airport as we aim to see passenger flights return in spring 2026.”