RAF Doncaster

The closure was a result of post-WWII military demobilization and the consolidation of RAF operations at larger, more suitable bases. The site was physically constrained by the racecourse and surrounding urban development, making it unsuitable for the larger, faster aircraft of the post-war era. The subsequent development of nearby RAF Finningley (which later became Doncaster Sheffield Airport) rendered it completely redundant for any significant aviation purposes.

The site has fully reverted to its original and primary use as the Doncaster Racecourse. There are no longer any visible remnants of the airfield, such as runways, hangars, or other aviation infrastructure. The area is occupied by the race track, grandstands, and associated facilities for horse racing and public events. A memorial plaque exists at the racecourse to commemorate the site's rich aviation history, particularly the 1909 airshow.

RAF Doncaster, also known as Doncaster Racecourse Airfield, holds a significant place in British aviation history. It was the location of the United Kingdom's first-ever airshow in October 1909, a landmark event attended by aviation pioneers like Cody and Leblon. During World War I, it served as a key home defence station for the Royal Flying Corps (and later the RAF), with squadrons such as No. 33 Squadron flying patrols against German Zeppelin raids. In World War II, it was repurposed as a Relief Landing Ground (RLG) for other RAF stations and was home to No. 22 Elementary Flying Training School, contributing to the war effort by training new pilots. It is recognized as one of the oldest airfields in the world.

There are zero prospects for reopening RAF Doncaster as an airport. The site is fully developed as a major horse racing venue and is surrounded by the town of Doncaster, making it physically and logistically impossible to re-establish an airfield. It is important not to confuse this historic site with the modern Doncaster Sheffield Airport (ICAO: EGCN), a separate facility that closed to commercial traffic in November 2022 and has been the subject of separate reopening discussions.