Consultation over Doncaster Sheffield Airport's future extended - but only for three weeks

Peel Group said in a statement back in July that a strategic review of the airport would be undertaken to identify if aviation activity was still a viable prospect at the site.

The group has now announced that the consultation has been extended until September 16 — but offered no further indication it would consider a further extension.

A spokesperson for the airport said: “To continue the uncertainty by prolonging the Strategic Review until the end of 2022 as requested without any tangible proposals to consider would be unsustainable for colleagues employed at the Airport and untenable for our business partners, airlines and passengers.

“We can therefore confirm that despite the lack of any tangible proposals from public or private sector partners, we have agreed an extension to the consultation to September 16 to allow more time for key stakeholders to conclude their discussions.

“As is appropriate, our employees were notified of this decision in advance of this public statement.”

Peel said it would not be commenting further until the end of its review.

Mayor of Doncaster Ros Jones said the authority would have liked moe time to set out the case for the airport’s salvation.

“Essentially we have been given three more weeks to set out to Peel why Doncaster Sheffield Airport should have a future life in the city and wider South Yorkshire region,” she said.

“I would have wanted more time as this is a complex issue however I am grateful that our request has been listened to.

“Senior officers from Doncaster Council and South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority are working at pace and with intent to analyse all options to try and secure its future and save our airport.

“I believe there is considerable potential at DSA and has the capacity and connectivity to be the number one airport in Yorkshire and the North-East.”