UPDATE on efforts to save Doncaster Sheffield Airport

Negotiations are ongoing with the current landowners and positive progress is being made on a potential lease.

Doncaster Council launched a procurement exercise to obtain an airport operator; the first stage is now closed.

Eight bidders submitted an interest which have been carefully considered and assessed and four have been invited to the next stage of the procurement process which is the Invitation to Tender stages. Details of the four cannot be divulged due to confidentiality of the procurement process.

Ros Jones, Mayor of Doncaster said "Re-opening Doncaster Sheffield Airport is my number one priority and by following our careful plan and proper procedure gives us the best chance of securing its future".

"We are currently on track to have an operator finalised for Spring 2024. I will be taking a further report to Doncaster Council cabinet with the Outline Business Case that will be submitted to South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority in order to draw down gainshare funding. Draw down of gainshare funding must be approved by the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority at hopefully the January meeting".

"Whilst we are at this critical juncture with negotiations, we will continue to engage with UK government and the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) in relation to protecting our airspace to aid efforts to reopen our airport".

"I do hope that we can share more good news soon as we continue the journey to reopen our airport".