Doncaster Sheffield Airport could close after directors revealed it is not a viable proposition, despite huge investment.
Wizz Air has recently announced it is ending its flights from the airport as it focuses on propping up its operations elsewhere, leaving the 17-year-old site with only TUI as the regular operator.
It had proved a popular departure point for holiday makers in Yorkshire and Lincolnshire, but with Leeds and Manchester also northern gateways, it has struggled to secure passenger numbers. Covid and resulting issues for the industry have also exacerbated the situation, directors stressed
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Owner Peel Group said despite the investment and growth, DSA had "never achieved the critical mass required to become profitable", adding lengthy deliberations had led to the decision to launch a strategic review.
Robert Hough, chairman of Peel Airports Group, which includes Doncaster Sheffield Airport, said: “It is a critical time for aviation globally. Despite pandemic-related travel restrictions slowly drawing to a close, we are still facing ongoing obstacles and dynamic long-term threats to the future of the aviation industry.
"The actions by Wizz to sacrifice its base at Doncaster to shore up its business opportunities at other bases in the South of England are a significant blow for the airport. Now is the right time to review how DSA can best create future growth opportunities for Doncaster and for South Yorkshire. The Peel Group remains committed to delivering economic growth, job opportunities and prosperity for Doncaster and the wider region.”
Outlining Covid and “environmental considerations” also impacting the airport’s future revenues, a statement said: “It has therefore been concluded that aviation activity may no longer be the use for the site which delivers the maximum economic and environmental benefit to the region."
DSA and Peel will initiate a consultation and engagement programme with stakeholders on the future of the site and how best to maximise and capitalise on future economic growth opportunities for Doncaster and the wider Sheffield City Region.
Peel also owns the GatewayEast development which includes a huge logistics and manufacturing developments on site, recently securing a huge deal.
Launched as Robin Hood Airport, flights to holiday destinations in Europe as well as the USA, Mexico and Egypt have operated from the former RAF Finningley site.
Closest rival Humberside has focused on the business market, with both fixed wing and helicopter services supporting the energy sector, while maintaining the Amsterdam hub hop and limited other services.
Passengers have been told flights will operate as normal throughout the review.
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