Doncaster Chamber Welcomes Continued Backing for Doncaster Sheffield Airport Reopening

Doncaster Chamber has welcomed the decision by City of Doncaster Council to continue progressing plans for the reopening of Doncaster Sheffield Airport, following an Extraordinary Council Meeting which confirmed the continuation of the previously agreed £57 million borrowing.

Originally approved in November 2025, the borrowing is intended to support early-stage activity associated with the airport’s reopening through the council-owned FlyDoncaster initiative, ahead of anticipated devolved funding to facilitate the wider development of the scheme.

The Chamber also wishes to acknowledge and thank the significant number of businesses from across Doncaster who have expressed their support for this project, including more than 80 organisations who endorsed an open letter coordinated by the Chamber. This level of engagement is indicative of the region’s collective commitment to long-term economic growth and reflects the strong civic and commercial alignment within Doncaster.

Today’s meeting followed concerns raised by councillors in relation to elements of the proposed lease arrangements, including provisions linked to future planning considerations and long-term passenger projections.   Ahead of today’s meeting, the Chamber made clear in its letter that scrutiny is a fundamental component of effective governance and must operate in parallel with a collaborative and forward-looking approach to ensure continuity and confidence in delivery.

Although the proposal to rescind the borrowing did not proceed, Doncaster Chamber describes that the circumstances surrounding this decision underscore the importance of effective communication, transparency, and cohesive decision-making to mitigate uncertainty for businesses and investors.

Doncaster Chamber’s position remains firmly supportive of the reopening of Doncaster Sheffield Airport and emphasises the need for sustained momentum, strategic alignment, and a clear focus on implementation to realise the full economic potential of this critical infrastructure project.

Responding following today’s meeting, Dan Fell, Chief Executive of Doncaster Chamber, said: “Firstly, I want to thank the many business leaders from across Doncaster and South Yorkshire who contributed to this debate over the past week. The message has been clear: reopening Doncaster Sheffield Airport is vital to the region’s growth and ambition.

“While it is right that projects of this scale are subject to proper scrutiny, businesses now want to see that translated into strong governance, renewed confidence and tangible progress.

“Today should mark a turning point. The decision has been made, and the focus must now be on delivery, restoring momentum and avoiding further uncertainty.

“The Chamber will continue to champion the reopening of Doncaster Sheffield Airport as a major opportunity to drive jobs, investment and long-term economic growth across the region.”

A meeting between South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority, City of Doncaster Council, and Peel is taking place tomorrow and Doncaster Chamber now urges a clear shift from decision-making to delivery.

Fell continues:

“With the funding confirmed, the priority must be to appoint a Chair and Chief Executive at pace and re-establish momentum behind the programme. A sustained focus on practical progress will be essential to maintaining business confidence and ensuring the successful reopening of Doncaster Sheffield Airport. The message from business now is simple: a little more business as usual and a little less politics as usual.”