Doncaster-Sheffield Airport can look to success of Teesside International as 'shining light of what can be done'

Mayor Ben Houchen’s Tees Valley Combined Authority (TVCA) bought Teesside International from the company in 2019, and it turned over a profit in its March 2024 accounts with the highest passenger numbers since 2009.

Teesside International managing director Phil Forster believes this could be a “shining light of what can be done” at Doncaster-Sheffield, with hope a new investor will come in soon.

He told the Yorkshire Post: “Doncaster-Sheffield Airport is in a perfect location for an airport in terms of its strategic base, its runway length and its catchment.

"I see a lot of similarities in terms of what could be done with Doncaster, in what’s happened with Teesside airport.

"It’s such a economic asset to that region, I can see why the council has wanted to ensure they’ve kept it.”

Currently the prospective operator for Doncaster-Sheffield, formerly known as Robin Hood Airport, is being being assessed by the government.

The expectation is that freight flights could start in 2025, with passenger flights beginning in 2026. TUI is said to be “extremely keen” to return.

A Department for Transport spokesperson said: “Regional connectivity is a priority for this Government, and a stronger financial performance from Teesside Airport is great for passengers across the north of England.

“We look forward to working with the Civil Aviation Authority, City of Doncaster Council and local partners towards the reopening of Doncaster Sheffield Airport.”