Abandoned UK airport could reopen as TUI 'keen' to relaunch flights

A deserted airport in England could reopen to the public and restart flights with news that an announcement will be made after behind-the-scenes talks. Doncaster-Sheffield Airport closed at the end of 2022.

Locals and passengers reacted with anger when the airport was shut down just 17 days after it opened, after owners Peel Group claimed it was not 'commercially viable' at the time. This was despite Doncaster Council offering to help support operations for a year while a new operator was found.

The closure was said to have caused 800 job losses, with 2,700 more impacted. However, there have been recent, positive signs that the abandoned airport could be given a new lease of life.

Read more: TUI issues 'three hours' warning to anyone flying from Birmingham Airport before June

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Ros Jones, mayor of Doncaster, said tour operator TUI is 'keen to return to our airport', reports the Mirror. The German holiday firm was the last major airline to run flights from the Yorkshire travel hub before it closed its runways.

"We have engaged TUI with the bidders for their return to our airport to be explored and we are hopeful that we will see TUI’s brand back in Doncaster," said the mayor. "With the right operator our airport has incredible potential to truly thrive and be the economic stimulus that we all know it can and should be."

“Our vision is for a world leading centre for sustainable aviation and the operator will share this vision and work in partnership with us to make it a reality. Once the procurement process is concluded we will make the announcement.”

In August, the mayor's office and Labour-run Doncaster Council were said to be on the verge of agreeing a deal with Peel Group to take on a 100-year lease on the site, which could see flights taking off again within two years, but the funding was blocked.

It was reported in February that Peel had agreed to consider a leasehold agreement with a new operator, which gives Doncaster Council access to £138million in funding to negotiate a leasehold agreement. During his recent statement, Mayor Jones shared a comment from a TUI spokesperson, who said: “TUI has always supported Doncaster Sheffield Airport, proudly flying customers from the region and were disappointed when the airport closed. Doncaster Sheffield Airport delivered a fantastic airport experience for our customers, and we are excited about actively engaging with stakeholders about a potential re-opening."

The mayor added: “For the next couple of months or so it will be a bit quiet, as the confidential process to appoint an operator reaches its conclusion. With the right operator our airport has incredible potential to truly thrive and be the economic stimulus that we all know it can and should be.

“Our vision is for a world leading centre for sustainable aviation and the operator will share this vision and work in partnership with us to make it a reality. Once the procurement process is concluded we will make the announcement.”