AFTER its closure in 2022, Doncaster-Sheffield Airport is set to reopen to passengers in two years’ time at the cost of £193million.
So what’s in store for passengers when the beloved airport returns?
Follow The Sun’s award-winning travel team on Instagram and Tiktok for top holiday tips and inspiration @thesuntravel.
Sun Travel spoke to Christian Foster, Director of FlyDoncaster – the company in charge of the reopening of the airport.
He shared his thoughts on new routes for holidaymakers, rail links and what visitors can expect from the shops and restaurants inside the airport.
The regional airport in the north of England provided a gateway to Europe for those living in and around Doncaster up until four years ago, after it was deemed ‘not financially viable’, and closed.
However, in an extremely rare case, the airport is scheduled to reopen as soon as next year – with passenger planes set to start in 2028.
The countdown is officially on and work is underway to complete the mammoth task of updating and reopening the hub.
Christian Foster, Director of FlyDoncaster – the company set up to manage the airport – told us: “It would be nice if we could immediately open with the flick of a switch, but it’s not that simple.
“There were around 2,700 people working around the site when it was last open, and we need to recruit again.
“Right now, we’ve been appointing key roles in the leadership team, and we’re also in a number of commercial negotiations with different airlines.”
Previously, Doncaster Sheffield Airport was home to airlines like TUI and Wizz Air – but none have been confirmed to the hub yet.
When it comes to opening up to passengers, Christian says there’s high-ambition for the airport.
He said: “It does feel like the world has changed post-Covid, whereas people were focused two weeks in Spain or Greece, nowadays we’re seeing a lot of people keen to take city breaks.”
He continued: “We’d love to fly to places like Croatia, and other destinations that are a bit more quirky like Azerbaijan.”
The airport has one of the longest runways in Europe at 2,893 meters meaning it could also potentially take bigger jets for long-haul routes.
Christian said: “We’re keen to look at emerging places to visit as well, like India.
“And Pakistan is one of our largest ethnic populations in the UK, so could we ensure greater connections there?
“But of course, we won’t forget about the bucket and spade holidays either.”
There aren’t just big plans for the planes either – plenty of thought is being put into the experience between check in and boarding gate.
Christian revealed that they are keen to give the airport a sense of the region by having independent vendors on-site.
He told us: “When people go through a terminal, they tend to look for Costa Coffee, Starbucks or World Duty Free.
“What we’ve created is a corridor for the local supply chain – whether that’s actually fixed base or pop-up market stores is yet to be decided.
“But the idea is that individuals will get a sense of some of the great produce to show off the region, for example, rhubarb from Wakefield, then butterscotch from Doncaster.
“We want to have food and beverage outlets, where you can have, not only the national or international feel, but a local one too.”
With the airport being closed to travellers, it gives a chance for it to be redesigned and Christian confirms that there will be a change in its layout.
One alteration is to the layout of security lanes and system which were “not located in the best place”.
These will be moved to make the passenger experience “slicker” and “swifter”.
There are special arrangements being made for those with disabilities too and Christian said that the team is determined to make the airport one of the “UK’s most-friendly” for everyone.
Since its closure four years ago, airports have had a change in rules as well as technology, for example, the scrapping of 100ml liquids.
So will Doncaster Sheffield Airport be keeping up with the others?
Christian said: “The easy answer to that one, is yes.
“We recognise that the world has moved on since 2022, and we are investing in brand-new technology.”
Previously, the best way to get to the airport was by car as the parking was right outside and families could walk straight through.
This layout is set to be retained for ease – but there could also be new rail links giving travellers from further afield the chance to hop on a train to the airport.
Christian said: “There’s a railway that runs to the north of the site, but we’re also keen to look at connections on the East Coast Mainline.
“It comes through Doncaster already and is in close proximity to the site, so for the airport, it would be a game-changer.”
Around the airport, developments are happening too – in one case a five-star hotel is being built on the outskirts.
Christian described the Bawtry Park Hotel in nearby Austerfield as a “Dubai-style” resort with a golf course and spa.
The reopening of the airport has been met with positivity by many in the local area who, since its closure, have had to travel to the likes of Manchester and Leeds Bradford.
Christian explained: “130,000 people signed a petition to retain the airport which is rare because most people go the other way.
“But for locals, once they land, they can be in, out and home in 15-20 minutes, it’s a complete game changer, isn’t it?”