The future of Doncaster Sheffield Airport may be at risk after bosses announced a strategic review into its options, with officials warning aviation activity on the site may no longer be commercially viable.
DSA’s owner, the Peel Group, acquired the site in 1999 and converted it into an international commercial airport, which opened in 2005. Significant amounts have been invested in the terminal, the airfield and its operations, both in relation to the original conversion and subsequently to improve the facilities and infrastructure on offer to create an award winning airport.
However, despite growth in passenger numbers, DSA has never achieved the traffic required to become profitable. This shortfall in passenger numbers is exacerbated by the announcement last month of the withdrawal of Wizz Air aircraft, leaving the airport with only one base carrier, TUI.
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 group said it was prioritising the welfare of staff and customers alike and will continue to operate as normal. Passengers who are due to travel to the airport, should arrive and check in as normal.
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