Government backs SYMCA plan to reopen Doncaster Sheffield Airport

South Yorkshire Mayor Oliver Coppard has announced a £30m devolved funding investment to reopen Doncaster Sheffield Airport, which has sat idle since 2022.

In a major boost for regional growth the government has confirmed it has established a working group with Doncaster Council and South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA) to support local efforts to reopen the airport and explore how the project could unlock wider benefits in the region.

SYMCA will use its devolved funding to invest in the creation of a sustainable aviation hub.  The announcement coincided with a statement on Local Growth Plans and new shared priorities between regional mayors and government. Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner said, “If we are to really grow our economy and put money into the pockets of working people, regional growth needs to be hardwired into the decisions that we make. 

“That’s why we have wasted no time in kick starting Local Growth Plans, owned by local leaders, and why, through our bold devolution plans, we can back our mayors and get opportunities for jobs and growth off the ground – just as they will with this thriving regional airport.

“Previous governments stood by as Doncaster Sheffield Airport was closed by its owner despite the overwhelming support for it to stay open. It now sits idle despite the potential to drive jobs and growth across the north. I am delighted to work with City of 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.”

Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander said, “This Government will stop at nothing to fuel economic growth and deliver prosperity for people up and down the country, as part of our Plan for Change.  

“I’m thrilled to see devolved funding for South Yorkshire being used to revitalise the airport project, and boost the region as a whole, and I look forward to the first flights taking to the sky.

Mayor for South Yorkshire Oliver Coppard added, “This significant funding package, alongside the cross-departmental government working group we have now set up, is a vital signal of our shared commitment to our airport, to growth, to creating good jobs in our communities, and to the future of Doncaster and South Yorkshire.

“Since day one, we have been fighting for our airport, so we can create good jobs in the industries of the future and play our part in developing the sustainable aviation technologies of tomorrow. To now have the support of a government who don’t just understand that opportunity but truly want to help us realise it, couldn’t be more important.”