Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves has backed Doncaster’s airport, with the government set to work with Doncaster Council and the Mayor of South Yorkshire to support their efforts to reopen Doncaster-Sheffield Airport.
Speaking to an audience of business chiefs at Siemens Healthineers in Oxfordshire yesterday, Reeves said: “The last government stood by as Doncaster Sheffield Airport was closed by its owner, despite the ovewhelming support for it to stay open. It now sits idle, despite the potential to drive jobs and growth across the north.
“So I can announce today that we will work with Doncaster Council and the Mayor of South Yorkshire, Oliver Coppard to support their efforts to recreate South Yorkshire Airport City as a thriving regional airport.”
South Yorkshire’s Mayor Oliver Coppard responded to the support: “This is a hugely welcome intervention from the Chancellor, committing to work with us on our plans to develop South Yorkshire Airport City.
“That support from the government could be vital in helping us to re-open Doncaster-Sheffield Airport, and deliver our 10-year plan to unlock the significant potential of Gateway East.
“I have been committed to re-opening DSA since day one. And the best way for us to give DSA the future it deserves is to get our plan right from the start, giving us the best chance to allow our airport to thrive, creating good jobs in the industries of the future, making best use of taxpayer’s money and bringing down the carbon footprint of flying.
“The last government didn’t lift a finger to support our airport. That it closed with 800 direct jobs lost in South Yorkshire is in no small part down to their lack of support. By contrast, this government has now committed to working with City of Doncaster Council and with me because we share the same ambition for growth.
“And can see the significant opportunity presented by the South Yorkshire Airport City Plan; a plan to reopen DSA, build hundreds of homes and create a world leading sustainable aviation hub in South Yorkshire.
“But even with the support of government, none of that is easy. In the next few weeks City of Doncaster Council will deliver the full plan to the Mayoral Combined Authority Board. We will need to carefully review that plan while working with the government to get to a final decision by the summer.
“I know people and businesses want to see DSA re-open as quickly as possible. I’m grateful to Rachel Reeves and the government for now committing to work with us on the challenges and opportunities that presents, and help us towards that goal.”
Doncaster Council signed a 125-year lease to take over the former Doncaster-Sheffield Airport last year following its closure by Peel Group.
Mayor Ros Jones recently confirmed at City of Doncaster Council’s Full Council meeting that there is an international airport operator ready to run the airport.