Peel Group, the owners of Doncaster Sheffield Airport, say the airport will close in light of the conclusion of its strategic review. The review states that the facility is “not viable due to its lack of adequate forward revenues and high operating costs”. Around 10,000 tonnes of freight a year are now handled at the facility, and the world’s largest aircraft can land there.
In its statement, Peel Group said:
“The high fixed costs associated with running a safe, regulated airport, together with recent events materially reducing prospective future aviation income streams, mean that a break-even business plan cannot be identified for the foreseeable future.”
As part of the closure plans, the provision of aviation services will “begin winding down” during the week commencing Monday October 31st.
Looking forward, Steven Underwood, Chief Executive of Peel Group, said:
“As the Strategic Review concludes, we look forward to collaborating with our partners to create a vibrant, long-term vision for GatewayEast and the airport site. We will not accept any public sector grant to cover the costs of an airport that is not viable due to its lack of adequate forward revenues and high operating costs. Accepting funds from SYMCA may postpone the inevitable for another thirteen months, but it will divert funds away from services on which communities throughout South Yorkshire rely.
Instead, we intend to continue working closely with local and national stakeholders to develop a forward-thinking strategy for the airport site, in conjunction with the £1.7 billion GatewayEast development next door, to help unlock vibrant, job-creating alternatives to ensure future growth and prosperity. We have the potential to attract cutting-edge, future-tech businesses to South Yorkshire, but only if we are able to collaborate with our local stakeholders and community in South Yorkshire.”
Doncaster Sheffield Airport (DSA) currently handles over 10,000 tonnes of freight. According to Business Doncaster, it has the potential to reach 176,500 tonnes per annum.
The airport’s cargo operations, handling and storage facilities are co-located onsite with the terminal building and business aviation facilities. Anglo International Express, Serviceair and Swissport UK are among the air freight operators using the airport.
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