Hopes have been raised that UK regional airport Doncaster Sheffield can be saved from closure thanks to the emergence of a “serious” potential bidder.
Local politicians in the Doncaster and South Yorkshire area of the UK have been in talks with potential buyers of the airport after current owner Peel Group
started a consultation process on its future after Wizz Air suddenly withdrew its flights this summer.
Doncaster mayor Ros Jones said there had been “strong market interest” in taking over the regional airport, despite the “currently challenging” market conditions.
“Whilst we continue discussions in principle with several parties, we have one group that we believe is an extremely serious proposition,” explained Jones.
“Our chief executive and senior officers have been leading on the work to save DSA (Doncaster Sheffield airport), alongside the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority.
“We asked Peel to give us the time to work with this serious potential proposition and to undertake the necessary due diligence as we endeavour to save and secure the long-term future of Doncaster Sheffield airport.”
With the UK currently in official mourning until 20 September following the death of Queen Elizabeth II, Peel Group has agreed to extend the current consultation period on Doncaster Sheffield airport until 26 September. This strategic review had previously been due to end on Friday (16 September).
Local authorities estimate that the airport supports more than 2,700 jobs in the wider economy and contributes £100 million per year to the local and regional economy.
Peel Group said in a statement: “We requested details of the identity of the consortium, but this has not been forthcoming, nor have the terms of any proposal or evidence of the consortium's financial standing or aviation expertise.”