Closed UK airport ‘abandoned’ 4 years ago begins path to reopening

Doncaster Sheffield Airport (DSA), which closed in November 2022 after Peel Group deemed it financially unviable, is moving closer to reopening. A £57 million loan from Doncaster Council was approved this week, resolving a political dispute between Labour and Reform UK councillors. The first large jet since closure—a Boeing 727 operated by 2Excel Aviation—landed on April 28, marking a symbolic step forward for the airport’s revival. The Boeing 727, used globally for oil spill response, demonstrated the airport’s capacity to handle bigger aircraft. Since December 2025, 2Excel Aviation has used DSA for smaller planes, reinforcing its potential for expanded operations. Tourism expert Christian Petzold highlighted the airport’s importance for South Yorkshire, currently Europe’s largest city-region without direct air access. Reopening could cut travel times from over 90 minutes to 30-40 minutes, reducing dependency on Manchester, Leeds Bradford, and East Midlands airports. DSA previously served 50 European destinations via operators like TUI and Wizz Air. Freight flights are expected to resume by late 2027, with commercial passenger services targeting winter 2028. Justin Crabbe, CEO of Jettly, called the Boeing 727 landing a pivotal moment, proving the airport’s transition from a concept to a functional site. Earlier this year, £160 million in funding was confirmed by Chancellor Rachel Reeves, labeling it a ‘huge milestone’ for the project. The airport’s last commercial flight departed for Manchester on November 5, 2022, ending an era. Its revival, backed by local and national funding, aims to restore connectivity for passengers and businesses in South Yorkshire, addressing a long-standing gap in regional infrastructure.