DSA is leaving the gate open for a direct rail connection to the East Coast Mainline, part of its long-term vision to enhance passenger and freight access and boost regional economic growth.
Speaking on the airport’s ambitions, Christian Foster, director of South Yorkshire Airport City and chair of the SYMCA Jessica Fund, said: “There’s a longer-term vision, which is the ability to have a train station off the East Coast Mainline.
“A train station direct into our airport on the East Coast Mainline would be a game changer for us as an airport. That would be huge.”
While an East Coast Mainline station remains aspirational at this point, the concept has been considered in past feasibility studies and masterplans.
In 2017-2018, feasibility work examined connecting the airport to local rail lines, including a potential spur to the East Coast Mainline, highlighting the benefits for both passenger travel and freight logistics.
Image credit: Doncaster Council
Current proposals focus on improving links to nearby rail infrastructure, such as the Lincoln Line, while longer-term ambitions include integrating DSA more closely with the East Coast Mainline.
Local authorities and the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority are in ongoing discussions with the Department for Transport to explore how future investment might support this vision.
Foster was speaking at an event held at Panattoni’s Doncaster 420 development, Yorkshire’s largest spec-built unit, located a stone’s throw from the airport site.
Measuring 418,000 sq ft, the grade A unit is available to let through Savills and Colliers.
This article was authored by Sally Gibson for Yorkshire Place and published under the title 'Doncaster Sheffield Airport eyes future rail link', on Doncaster Sheffield Airport eyes future rail link - Place Yorkshire. It is reproduced above in accordance with section 30(2) of the Copyright, Design and Patents Act 1988.
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