Plans to reopen Doncaster Sheffield Airport back on track after funding row resolved

Progress towards reopening Doncaster Sheffield Airport (DSA) is to continue after a funding row was resolved.

A dispute between Reform UK and Labour over a £57 million loan was resolved at an extraordinary council meeting on Monday.

City of Doncaster Council councillors met to reconsider the funding which had previously been voted through in November.

Reform UK councillors had called for a fresh vote on the deal and said there was “no blank cheque” for re-opening DSA, while Labour had said a decision to not go-ahead with the loan would “kill” the project.

However, a majority voted in favour of the deal in what is seen as a crucial stage in efforts to revive the airport which shut in 2022.

The funding will support key airport upgrades, reopening preparations, jobs and investment across South Yorkshire and future passenger and freight operations.

A City of Doncaster Council spokesperson said: “The decision taken at today’s extraordinary full council meeting means that the airport programme can recommence. 

“In addition, discussions with the landowner will now be restarted and reported accordingly.

“We remain committed to reopening Doncaster Sheffield Airport and delivering the jobs and growth it will bring to the region.

"Work will continue at pace, in partnership with SYMCA (South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority) and other stakeholders, subject to ongoing risk management and the progression of funding agreements.”

Campaigners, unions, and local businesses described the vote as a “huge victory” for the region amid proposals to bring the airport back into operation in 2027-28, according to Mark Chadwick, leading a save DSA campaign.

In a Facebook post, he said: “Today councillors approved the crucial £57 million loan needed to push ahead with reopening Doncaster Sheffield Airport. 

“After weeks of uncertainty, political disputes, protests, and fears the project could collapse, the airport revival plans are officially back on track.”