A UK airport forced to close four years ago has tested its first flight ahead of its planned reopening.
Doncaster Sheffield Airport closed back in 2022, previously operating flights to Europe with airlines such as Wizz Air and TUI.
And the airport has since welcomed a large plane – the first since its closure – which has been praised as being a “deliberate step in the journey to reopen”.
While the flight was not a passenger flight (being a Boeing 727 Oil Spill Response Aircraft), the airport’s Executive Director of Airport Operations praised the move.
Simon Hinchley told local media: “This operation demonstrates that the airport’s core infrastructure remains robust, compliant, and capable of safely supporting jet operations.
“This flight is not just symbolic – it is about operational readiness.
“It confirms that Doncaster Sheffield Airport is moving from planning into practical delivery, and it marks the beginning of a phased programme of testing and activity that will support our safe and sustainable return to full operations.”
The reopening of the airport is expected to cost as much as £193million, with private planes set to trial flights this year.
Passenger flights are expected by 2028, with estimates of as many as four million passengers a year at the airport eventually.
While no airline has confirmed it will open a base at the airport, MP Lee Pitcher said last year that he was in talks with both Ryanair and TUI.
He said: “It was a productive discussion, and we’ll continue to work with TUI, other key stakeholders, and push the Government to keep Doncaster Sheffield Airport firmly on the agenda.”
Here’s another UK airport that was forced to close, but is also looking at reopening.