Doncaster Sheffield Airport is set to reopen this year following a £160million redevelopment scheme. The airport stopped operations in 2022 and was left partially abandoned after operator Peel Group considered it financially unviable.

The ambitious reopening plan, supported by local authorities, will see the airport resume cargo operations this year and commercial passenger services by 2027. Doncaster Sheffield Airport is currently working with operator Fly Doncaster to identify suitable airport operational partners. Simon Hinchley, Executive Director for Airport Operations at FlyDoncaster, said: "As we work towards re-opening Doncaster Sheffield Airport, our focus is firmly on building a safe, efficient and operationally robust airport that is ready to serve a broad range of users from day one."

"South Yorkshire's Mayor, Oliver Coppard, and Council Leaders have taken a historic decision to re-open Doncaster Sheffield Airport, approving a £160million funding package that will see commercial flights return to the region."

According to Fly Doncaster, the renovated terminal will cater for up to four million passengers. The airport is forecast to generate £5billion for the regional economy by 2050.

Initially founded in 1915 as a military airfield and RAF base by the Royal Flying Corps during World War 1, Doncaster Sheffield Airport was established to intercept German Zeppelins.

Formerly known as Robin Hood Airport, the South Yorkshire site adopted its previous name from its association with the legendary Robin Hood story.

The airport has one of the longest runways in the country at 2,895 metres, as it was originally designed to handle some of the largest and heaviest aircraft. Doncaster Sheffield became a commercial passenger airport in 2005.