Doncaster Sheffield Airport reopening back on track after resolving Reform challenge

Plans to reopen Doncaster Sheffield Airport have moved forward after councillors approved continued backing for a £57m loan package following weeks of political disagreement over the project’s finances.

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The decision followed a dispute between Labour and Reform UK councillors over the terms and oversight of the loan.

At an extraordinary meeting of the City of Doncaster Council, held after the recent local council elections, councillors voted to maintain support for the funding arrangement, which is considered a key part of efforts to revive the airport after its closure in 2022.

Reform UK members had sought a fresh vote on the funding, arguing that councillors needed greater scrutiny of lease arrangements connected to the airport site and its landowner, Peel Group. Labour councillors warned that withdrawing support for the loan could jeopardise the reopening plans.

The revised agreement allows the airport programme to continue while introducing additional oversight measures requested by Reform UK, including further council review of any renegotiated lease terms.

City officials said the decision would allow discussions with the landowner to resume and enable work on reopening preparations to continue alongside the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority.

The funding is intended to support infrastructure upgrades, operational preparations and investment linked to future passenger and freight services. Campaigners and business groups backing the airport revival described the vote as a significant step towards restoring aviation operations and creating jobs in the region.

The airport, formerly known as Robin Hood Airport, closed in late 2022 after its owner cited financial challenges and the withdrawal of airline operations. Since then, local authorities and regional leaders have pursued plans to bring the site back into use through a long-term redevelopment strategy.

In recent months, the reopening programme has included operational testing and discussions with potential airline partners. A Boeing 727 operated by aviation firm Excel landed at the airport in April, marking the first large jet movement there since closure.

Current plans envisage a phased reopening, with full operations unlikely before 2028.