Doncaster Sheffield Airport: Surface Access Statement – What Businesses Need to Know

By Sian Booth, Head of Policy and Partnerships, Doncaster Chamber

The South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA) and City of Doncaster Council have recently published a 43-page Surface Access Statement for Doncaster Sheffield Airport (DSA) and Gateway East. I’ve read it in detail — so you don’t have to.

If you do fancy giving the whole lot a read (it wasn't too long tbf), you can do here.

Here’s what matters most for businesses.

Why This Matters

This isn’t a formal surface access strategy — it’s a statement of intent that sets out how transport links will be developed to support the reopening of DSA and the wider Gateway East development.

The message is clear: the success of the airport, and its ability to anchor growth in South Yorkshire, depends on connectivity. A strong surface access plan underpins:

• Passenger experience – giving travellers confidence they can get to the airport reliably and on time.

• Airline competitiveness – making DSA an attractive option for new routes.

• Workforce access – enabling staff to get to shifts dependably.

• Freight and logistics – keeping goods moving efficiently.

• Environmental sustainability – cutting unnecessary journeys and emissions.

 

What’s in the Plan?

The report sets out a phased framework - with short-, medium-, and long-term priorities - and positions the airport as a gateway for global connections and a major driver of South Yorkshire’s economy.

Strengths

• DSA has a long runway, uncongested airspace, and a 90-minute drive-time catchment that positions it well to serve millions.

• Great Yorkshire Way provides excellent current road access.

• Doncaster Rail Station is one of the best-connected hubs in the UK and a natural onward connector.

Weaknesses

• Public transport is brutally underdeveloped. The report highlights that it’s easier by public transport to get to Leeds than to Sheffield - despite Sheffield being closer.

• This lack of alignment means South Yorkshire’s principal city isn’t properly connected to its own airport.

• This limits social inclusion, as local communities risk being left behind without affordable, accessible transport options.

Highways: Junction 3 of the M18

• Junction 3 is the single biggest infrastructure challenge.

• It has a holding direction from National Highways, blocking new development approvals until capacity improvements are agreed.

• A £50m improvement scheme is already designed - reconfiguring the junction, easing congestion, and adding resilience.

• Funding is the missing piece. Unlocking it would:

  • Lift the holding direction.

  • Unlock Gateway East development.

  • Give investors confidence to back major projects.

• Other junctions (Bankwood, Parrot’s Corner, Great North Road) are forecast to cope with growth after recent upgrades.

Rail

• A new rail station is planned, connecting to the East Coast Main Line and Lincoln Line.

• It’s not required on day one of reopening, but it is essential to the long-term future, supporting higher-value employment and growth as the site reaches critical mass.

• This sits within the Sheffield City Region Integrated Rail Plan.

Bus and Active Travel

• Bus services won’t be a quick fix, but they’re described as a long-term foundation for accessible, inclusive growth.

• Active travel links are also part of the phased approach to ensure local communities benefit.

Sustainability & Climate

• Reopening DSA with strong transport links can reduce emissions by cutting unnecessary long-distance trips to other airports.

• Aligning growth with sustainable access avoids overwhelming local roads.

• Climate considerations sit alongside commercial drivers like passenger numbers and car parking revenue.

Commercial Realities

• Airports need to hit a critical demand threshold of flights and passengers to be viable.

• Non-aviation income streams (especially retail and car parking) are vital — and, realistically, travellers are willing to pay for the convenience.

• Reliable access for staff, goods, and services is as important as passenger flows.

What It All Means for Business

• Connectivity is king. Without a credible surface access plan, the airport cannot succeed.

• Junction 3 is the key unlock. Securing funding for its upgrade is essential to unlock development and investor confidence.

• Public transport is the big gap. Sheffield in particular must be better connected to DSA to maximise the airport’s role as South Yorkshire’s gateway.

• Freight and logistics are central. With Gateway East next door, surface access is as much about moving goods as moving people.

• Sustainability is opportunity. A reopened DSA can cut emissions by reducing long journeys to other airports - but only if access is done right.

Short, Medium and Long Term Goals

Set out in this handy picture, are the short, medium and long term goals set out in the statement.

The Surface Access Statement makes it clear: the reopening and growth of DSA depends on how we move people and goods in and out of the site.

With the right interventions — particularly at Junction 3, rail, and buses — Doncaster Sheffield Airport can become not just a passenger hub, but a catalyst for South Yorkshire’s economic transformation.

I’ll be keeping businesses updated as this progresses - but for now, consider this to be the gist.

And before you say it, I didn't just put this into AI, I actually read all 43 pages and made lots of notes. Hope you enjoy!