MAYOR'S PLAN TO BUY DONCASTER SHEFFIELD AIRPORT BACKED BY SOUTH YORKSHIRE LEADERS

Published 27 October 2026 at 4:22pm

South Yorkshire's Mayor and Leaders have approved plans to proceed with a landmark deal to bring Doncaster Sheffield Airport and the adjacent Innovation Quarter employment land site into public ownership, subject to the conclusion of an agreement between South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA) and Peel. 

The decision, taken at the SYMCA Board meeting today (27 October), gives the go-ahead for SYMCA to enter into an agreement with Peel Land, with work continuing between the parties to finalise the deal.  

This marks a major milestone in the region's progress towards reopening Doncaster Sheffield Airport and the realisation of the wider South Yorkshire Airport City vision, set to create one of the UK's leading hubs for sustainable aviation, advanced manufacturing and innovation. 

Buying the airport and Innovation Quarter employment land will provide the long-term control, certainty and flexibility needed to unlock one of the most significant economic opportunities in South Yorkshire, helping create thousands of good jobs, attract significant private investment.  

South Yorkshire's Mayor Oliver Coppard said: “Today is a big step on the journey to reopening Doncaster Sheffield Airport and building a world leading sustainable aviation hub at Gateway East. All four Leaders across South Yorkshire have joined me in backing our deal to bring DSA and the adjacent Innovation Quarter employment land back into public ownership, putting one of the biggest and best growth opportunities in our region – and our future – back in our hands.  

“Four years ago, we were told our airport was closing. Alongside Ros Jones, I promised I would do everything I could to save it, but I’d always put the interests of taxpayers at the heart of any decision. I meant it. And that’s why I’m so pleased we’ve got that deal over the line today, because it means I’ve kept that promise.  

“We’ve had to work incredibly hard to get here. After months of negotiations with Peel, and the greater flexibility and confidence we now have as a result of devolution, we’ve reached a deal that I genuinely believe can offer huge opportunity to people across South Yorkshire. 

 “There's still work to do, not least Peel now need to formally approve the deal, and there’s some legal process to get through. But today we’ve taken another huge step towards an airport owned and controlled by us, for us.  

“My focus is now on getting our airport open, creating thousands of good jobs and realising the massive potential of one of South Yorkshire’s biggest economic opportunities, so everyone here can stay near and go far” 

Mayor of Doncaster Ros Jones said: "I would like to thank my fellow South Yorkshire leaders for backing our plans to not only fully reopen Doncaster Sheffield Airport, but to buy the freehold and further employment land at Gateway East.  

“From Day 1, I pledged to do everything I could to save our airport because I truly believe that is the right thing for Doncaster. Fully reopening the people’s airport is my number one priority and one that I have continued to fight for along with the steadfast support of our communities, businesses and local campaigners.  

“The decision made today to buy the freehold of Doncaster Sheffield Airport, simply wasn’t on the table four years ago, bringing this airport back under public ownership is what I have wanted from the start. Now we have this opportunity to secure the future through this partnership plan alongside buying the freehold and I am confident it will work and unlock huge potential for the City of Doncaster, South Yorkshire and the North of England." 

Doncaster Sheffield Airport closed in November 2022, leaving South Yorkshire one of the largest city regions in the UK without a commercial aviation presence and creating significant uncertainty about the future of the site. 

Since then, SYMCA, City of Doncaster Council, local MPs, Government and other partners have worked together to develop plans to bring aviation back to the region. 

Meanwhile, teams at the airport have been moving forward with the work needed to reopen the airport as soon as is practical. This has included the recruitment of senior aviation leaders as heads of department, progressing important regulatory milestones, such as the Airspace Change Proposals, and making procurement decisions on various technology and equipment that will ensure the airport can operate effectively, including fire tenders and a new radar system. 

Over the last 12 months, negotiations have continued with Peel Land to explore options for the future of the airport and Innovation Quarter. Following those negotiations, South Yorkshire leaders have now agreed that SYMCA should proceed with the proposed purchase, subject to contract, while work continues with Peel Land to finalise the agreement. 

Stephen Wild, Managing Director of Peel Land, said: "We note the outcome of today's meeting and will continue to work jointly with SYMCA to seek to finalise the transaction."  

City of Doncaster Council's Cabinet will hold a meeting on 28 October to discuss the transitional arrangements and matters arising out of this decision for City of Doncaster Council.  

South Yorkshire’s Mayor will host a public meeting at 6pm on Monday 9th November at the Club Doncaster Sports Village to provide an update on Doncaster Sheffield Airport and answer questions from the public. 

You can find out more information about the event and reserve a free ticket on the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority Eventbrite page.