Doncaster Sheffield Airport Reopening Costs Rise to £193m, Projected £81m Loss over Nine Years

The cost to reopen Doncaster Sheffield Airport (DSA) has increased to nearly £193 million, with expectations of operating losses for the first nine years, up from an earlier estimate of five years. The airport, closed since 2022 due to financial viability concerns by Peel Group, is projected to support 5,000 jobs and significantly boost the local economy by 2050 despite early financial challenges. South Yorkshire leaders, including Mayor Oliver Coppard and Doncaster Mayor Ros Jones, emphasize the project's importance for regional prosperity and economic growth, even as reports caution that a 20% rise in operating costs within three years could force closure consideration. Funding includes nearly £160 million approved by South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority, additional allocations from the council, and a proposed £57 million bridging loan to cover early costs not met by annual installments. The plan includes efforts to attract private investment to mitigate taxpayer risk, with profitability forecasted to begin around 2034 and potentially total £230 million before tax and interest by 2049. Despite financial risks, local officials remain optimistic about the airport becoming a key economic driver for Doncaster and South Yorkshire.