A whopping £160 million in public funding for Doncaster Sheffield Airport has been given the green light to help get the airport back up and running. This huge investment is a game-changer for the entire reopening project, which might have stalled without it.
On Tuesday, 9th September 2025, a really important meeting took place. As a team of leaders from the local councils in Doncaster, Sheffield, Rotherham, and Barnsley, all working together for the good of the whole region. They agreed to give almost £160 million to the City of Doncaster Council. This money is specifically to support the huge task of reopening and running Doncaster Sheffield Airport.
“This is an important day in our airport’s story. Today we have taken a huge step forward towards fully reopening our airport,” she said. “This airport can and will be the success we all know it can be, it will not happen overnight, but this is a long-term investment in the Doncaster economy, to deliver jobs, growth and opportunities for our residents and future generations.” This is a long-term project, but the first major hurdle has been cleared.
Mayor Jones made a special point of thanking the local community for their continued support. She knows how much the airport means to everyone in Doncaster and the wider region. “And finally, I must thank the people of Doncaster, over the last three years this airport has been the number one question on the doorstep, in the pub and across our communities,” she explained. “This airport is for all of you, it will be the people’s airport. Now, onwards and upwards!” This shows the strong connection between the reopening project and the people it will serve.
The goal is to have a “fully operational airport in 2028,” which includes commercial and passenger flights. The aim is to have these in the air by Summer 2026. After that, freight operations are planned for 2027, before passenger flights finally return.
The business plan for the reopened Doncaster Sheffield Airport also relies on getting record passenger numbers – more people flying from there than ever before. It’s an ambitious plan, but one the local council and combined authority are backing.
Councillor Hunt explained his support, saying: “Today I have voted to support the reopening of the airport as I know that this airport has significant potential to bring good jobs with good wages to the people of South Yorkshire. There’s huge potential for significant jobs, growth for families across our region.” He also highlighted how important it will be to have good public transport links, like buses and trains, to the airport.
