The Government has backed a £30 million investment plan to reopen Doncaster Sheffield Airport (DSA).
Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner said on Wednesday she backs plans by South Yorkshire Mayor Oliver Coppard to invest in infrastructure to create a sustainable aviation hub, which could create 5,000 jobs and boost the economy by £5 billion within 25 years.
The Deputy PM 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.”
Oliver said: “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.”
Earlier this year, Munich Airport International (MAI) was named operating partner of DSA, working alongside FlyDoncaster, the company set up by City of Doncaster Council to run the airport once it reopens.
A year ago, TUI said it was ‘keen’ to return to DSA. The last flight to operate at DSA before it was closed by owner Peel Group was an inbound TUI flight on 4 November 2022.
