Commons Sense

House of Commons · Adjournment Debate

Doncaster Sheffield Airport 2025-02-25

25 February 2025 · 6 other contributors

Opened by Lee Pitcher Lab Doncaster East and the Isle of Axholme

EconomyTransportBusiness & Trade

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Lee Pitcher raised concerns about doncaster sheffield airport 2025-02-25 in the House of Commons. A government minister responded. Other MPs also contributed.

Key points

  • Concerns raised about the economic benefits and local pride associated with reopening Doncaster Sheffield Airport were highlighted.
  • The airport's reopening is projected to create over 5,000 direct and 6,500 indirect jobs by 2050 and add 5 billion to the economy.
  • The Minister acknowledged progress with a 20 million investment and the appointment of Munich Airport International as the operator.

How the debate unfolded

MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.

Opened the debate

Lee Pitcher Lab Doncaster East and the Isle of Axholme

I am grateful for the opportunity to make the case for the economic contribution of Doncaster Sheffield airport. Its reopening is the No. 1 priority for the people of Doncaster East and the Isle of Axholme, as well as residents right across our region. It will bring jobs, contribute massively to the economy, and restore local pride by reviving a key part of history and identity lost when DSA closed two years ago. The inspiring Save DSA campaign has kept the airport high on the agenda since closure and provides momentum towards reopening. There is a huge business case for reopening with over 5,000 direct and 6,500 indirect jobs projected by 2050, £5 billion in gross value added to the economy, and a benefit-cost ratio of 9:1.

Other contributors (6)
  • Jim Shannon DUP Strangford

    Supports Government funding for local industry and reduction of air passenger duty to boost economic benefits.

  • Jo White Lab Bassetlaw

    Reopening the airport will create new opportunities, including high-skilled jobs in the STEP project.

  • Mark Sewards Lab Leeds South West and Morley

    Supports any move that leads to greater growth across Yorkshire and northern Lincolnshire.

  • Sally Jameson Lab/Co-op Doncaster Central

    Opportunity to turn Doncaster and South Yorkshire into a hub for sustainable aviation fuel, creating high-skill jobs.

  • Jake Richards Lab Rother Valley

    My constituency has many people who worked at and used the airport. The airport is not just about flights, but offering young people a future to remain at home.

  • Name

    Reinforced the importance of investment in rail connectivity and development of Rotherham mainline station as critical for regional transport infrastructure.

Government Response

Government Minister

I congratulate my hon. Friend on securing this debate and his commitment to Doncaster Sheffield airport. I acknowledge the deep disappointment in South Yorkshire when the previous owners decided to close the airport. The airport's reopening has made progress with a £20 million investment, and Munich Airport International was appointed as operator. As aviation Minister, I am committed to supporting efforts to reopen the airport. We have allocated funds for bus improvement plans, active travel, and funding for low-emission vehicles and zero-emission buses. Regional airports play an important role in serving local communities and business by supporting thousands of jobs. The Minister acknowledged the issues raised, confirming that £8.4 million was provided to South Yorkshire for electric buses and charging infrastructure through the ZEBRA 1 programme. They highlighted ongoing progress in planning and design work for northern rail connectivity and announced a five-year investment of £570 million through the city region sustainable transport settlements programme to improve transport networks across eight UK city regions, including South Yorkshire. The Minister also mentioned an uplift in local transport funds by £200 million in 2025-26 as part of the autumn Budget announcement to support large city regions' growth and productivity. Emphasising the importance of public transport for airport connectivity, they noted that Doncaster Sheffield Airport would benefit from improved infrastructure. The Minister further addressed airspace modernisation, a manifesto commitment supporting quicker, quieter, and cleaner journeys. They reported progress in airspace modernisation initiatives with airports preparing for public consultations, stressing officials' efforts to reopen airspace benefiting the airport. The Minister concluded by expressing their readiness for continued engagement with South Yorkshire combined authority and City of Doncaster council to support reopening the airport.

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