The South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA) has agreed to purchase Doncaster Sheffield Airport (DSA) and the adjacent Innovation Quarter employment land from Peel, a move that brings the airport back into public ownership and represents a major step towards reopening the site. The authority will become the freehold owner and landlord to the City of Doncaster Council lease, the SYMCA said on Tuesday.
Deal and next steps
SYMCA’s decision follows months of negotiation with Peel. The acquisition still requires formal approval from Peel and the completion of legal processes, the authority confirmed. City of Doncaster Council has previously set up Fly Doncaster Ltd as an arm’s-length company to operate the airport; buying the site means local authorities will own both DSA and Fly Doncaster Ltd.
- Owner to seller: SYMCA agreed to buy from Peel
- Assets: Doncaster Sheffield Airport and adjacent Innovation Quarter employment land
- Immediate outcome: SYMCA becomes freehold owner and landlord to the City of Doncaster Council lease
Political and economic intent
Mayor Oliver Coppard said the purchase is “a big step on the journey to reopening Doncaster Sheffield Airport and building a world leading sustainable aviation hub at Gateway East.” He thanked those involved and said public support had been “incredibly effective” in bringing the airport into public ownership.
“Today is a big step on the journey to reopening Doncaster Sheffield Airport and building a world leading sustainable aviation hub at Gateway East.” — Mayor Oliver Coppard
Coppard acknowledged there remained work to do, including securing Peel’s formal approval and completing legal processes, and said his immediate focus was on reopening the airport, creating jobs and realising the site’s potential. The authority said the deal provides greater flexibility and confidence following devolution discussions during the past year.
Mayor of Doncaster Ros Jones, who has campaigned for the airport’s restoration, described saving the airport as her number one priority and reiterated her continued commitment to reopening the “people’s airport.”
“From day one, I pledged to do everything I could to save our airport because I truly believe that is the right thing for Doncaster.” — Mayor of Doncaster Ros Jones
Background
Doncaster Sheffield Airport closed in November 2022. Since the closure, City of Doncaster Council has pursued plans to reopen the facility using public funds after attempts to appoint a private operator were unsuccessful. Peel had earlier proposed leasing the site, but negotiations over the last 12 months explored alternative arrangements that culminated in the agreed sale to SYMCA.
Local officials say reopening DSA will support thousands of jobs and act as a catalyst for regional economic development. The inclusion of the adjacent Innovation Quarter employment land in the acquisition indicates an intention to align airport reopening with wider regeneration and employment objectives.
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Buyer | South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA) |
| Seller | Peel |
| Assets | Doncaster Sheffield Airport (DSA) and adjacent Innovation Quarter employment land |
| Operator | Fly Doncaster Ltd (City of Doncaster Council arm’s-length company) |
The authority’s statement did not provide a timetable for reopening or commercial details of the transaction. It said the deal is subject to Peel’s formal approval and the completion of legal formalities. SYMCA characterised the purchase as providing the local area with greater control and flexibility to progress the reopening and to develop the site as a sustainable aviation hub.
Bringing DSA back into public ownership marks a notable example of a regional authority taking direct responsibility for airport assets with the stated aim of restoring connectivity and supporting local economic growth.
