Future uncertain for Doncaster Sheffield Airport after airline pulls out

DONCASTER Airport’s operators have issued a warning it may be “forced to close” after board members announced it has “never achieved the numbers required to become profitable”.

It is just under a 30-minute drive for travellers in Rotherham and is the closest airport for people in the area.

The board of the airport, once officially named Robin Hood Airport Doncaster Sheffield, has begun a review of strategic options for the airport which is not expected to disrupt upcoming travel for now, the airport said.

DSA and the Peel Group have issued a joint statement blaming the pandemic, Wizz Air’s departure and environmental considerations as factors for a “lack of prosperity at the site”.

A joint statement said: “This review follows lengthy deliberations by the Board of DSA which has reluctantly concluded that aviation activity on the site may no longer be commercially viable.

“Since the Peel Group acquired the Airport site in 1999 and converted it into an international commercial airport, which opened in 2005, significant amounts have been invested in the terminal, the airfield and its operations, both in relation to the original conversion and subsequently to improve the facilities and infrastructure on offer to create an award winning airport.

“However, despite growth in passenger numbers, DSA has never achieved the critical mass required to become profitable and this fundamental issue of a shortfall in passenger numbers is exacerbated by the announcement on June 10 of the unilateral withdrawal of the Wizz Air based aircraft, leaving the Airport with only one base carrier, namely TUI.”

DSA and Peel concluded that aviation activity may “no longer be the use for the site” to the region.

A consultation will now take place between stakeholders on the future of the site and how to “maxmise and capitalise on future economic growth opportunities” in Doncaster and Sheffield, board members have confirmed.

Robert Hough, chairman of Peel Airports Group, which includes Doncaster Sheffield Airport, said the “long-term threats” to the industry and Wizz Air actions have made the airport review its future.

He added: “The actions by Wizz to sacrifice its base at Doncaster to shore up its business opportunities at other bases in the South of England are a significant blow for the Airport.

“Now is the right time to review how DSA can best create future growth opportunities for Doncaster and for South Yorkshire.

“The Peel Group remains committed to delivering economic growth, job opportunities and prosperity for Doncaster and the wider region.”

Wizz Air have declined the opportunity to comment.

 

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