A sober approach is needed to the reopening on Doncaster Sheffield Airport
The stakes are high when it comes to the reopening of Doncaster Sheffield Airport (DSA) and emotions are clearly running high. The sight of the first jet landing at the airport yesterday since 2022 will give campaigners joy but there is a long way to go when it comes to reopening DSA.
It is understandable why so many want to see the airport reopened. The economic prize, for a successful airport and surrounding hub, is vast. It could transform South Yorkshire.
As the calls from unions for Reform‑controlled Doncaster Council to press ahead with the reopening show, thousands of jobs and much needed regional growth could be at risk should the plans be shelved. On the other hand, it is a question of financial probity. At a time when public finances are tight gambling £193m of public money is a huge risk.
When the reopening was initially greenlit, this newspaper cautioned political leaders of the obstacles ahead and reiterated the need for absolute transparency. That point is worth reiterating ahead of a crunch meeting that has now been pushed back to May 11, where a £57m borrowing agreement, which was approved in November, could potentially be rescinded.
Councillors need to be provided with all the information they need to make an informed decision on this important matter. A sober approach that doesn’t dismiss the project out-of-hand while not falling into the trap of putting public money at risk is needed.
While at the same time there needs to be clarity from politicians as to what they see as the best way forward for DSA. Richard Tice, deputy leader of Reform UK, is advocating acquiring DSA’s land by compulsory purchase order if necessary. This would mark a change in policy for the party, as just last week in Barnsley, its leader Nigel Farage said he wanted a “private sector solution” for DSA.