Doncaster Sheffield Airport

The closure was due to economic reasons. The owner, The Peel Group, conducted a strategic review in the summer of 2022 and concluded that the airport was 'not commercially viable'. The key factors cited were the high fixed operating costs and a lack of sufficient revenue streams. This decision was significantly influenced by the announcement from its main airline, Wizz Air, that it would be withdrawing its base and most of its routes from the airport, which made the financial projections unsustainable.

The airport site is currently closed and non-operational. The infrastructure, including the terminal building, runway, and air traffic control tower, is being maintained in a state of care and maintenance by the owner, The Peel Group, pending future developments. The site is not being used for any other commercial or public purpose at present.

Doncaster Sheffield Airport (DSA), formerly known as Robin Hood Airport, has a rich history. (Note: The correct ICAO code was EGCN and the IATA code was DSA; the codes provided in the query are not official aviation identifiers for this airport).

- **Military Origins (RAF Finningley):** The site was originally RAF Finningley, which opened in 1915. It played a crucial role during the Cold War as a major V-bomber station, home to nuclear-armed Avro Vulcan, Handley Page Victor, and Vickers Valiant bombers. It was also a significant training base and was famous for hosting one of the largest airshows in the country.

- **Civilian Conversion:** After the RAF decommissioned the base in 1995, The Peel Group purchased the site and invested heavily in converting it into a modern commercial airport. It opened for passenger flights in April 2005.

- **Civilian Operations:** As a civilian airport, DSA was notable for its exceptionally long runway (2,893 meters), which was a legacy of its V-bomber days. This allowed it to handle the world's largest aircraft, including Boeing 747s for long-haul cargo and passenger flights, and it once hosted the Antonov An-225 Mriya. It primarily served as a base for low-cost and leisure airlines such as Wizz Air, TUI Airways, and formerly Ryanair and Flybe, connecting the Yorkshire region to destinations across Europe. The airport also supported a flight training school, general aviation, and significant cargo operations.

There are very strong and advanced plans to reopen the airport. A vigorous campaign led by the City of Doncaster Council, local leaders, and the public has been ongoing since the closure announcement.

In March 2024, a major breakthrough was achieved when the City of Doncaster Council signed a 125-year lease for the site from The Peel Group. The council is now actively leading the effort to find a new airport operator to manage and run the facility. The South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority has pledged £138 million to support the reopening project. The search for an operator is underway, and the stated ambition is to see flights resume, though a definitive timeline is dependent on securing an operator and completing all necessary regulatory processes. The outlook for reopening is considered highly optimistic by local authorities.