The green light given today, which aims to see the re-opening Doncaster Sheffield Airport today has been welcomed by Barnsley & Rotherham Chamber.

Following a meeting concluded this afternoon (9th September), the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority voted unanimously to approve a funding package worth nearly £160 million as the first step towards the airport re-opening.

Doncaster Sheffield Airport closed in November 2022, leaving South Yorkshire as one of the largest UK city regions without an international aviation presence.

Since it closed, Barnsley & Rotherham Chamber, Doncaster Chamber and Sheffield Chamber have worked closely together to highlight the business case for re-opening.

Commenting on the decision reached today, Carrie Sudbury, Chief Executive, Barnsley & Rotherham Chamber said:

"The decision to re-open Doncaster airport today is a milestone moment for South Yorkshire and we welcome the decision reached today.

"Today marks the end of an extensive consultation period, which clearly laid out the strong business case for re-opening. I hope that with funding now secured and consultations completed, this marks the beginning of an exciting new phase which will ultimately see flights return to the skies in South Yorkshire.

"My hope is that the re-opening of Doncaster airport will act as a catalyst towards boosting growth across the region, helping to connect the truly unique and innovative work being delivered throughout South Yorkshire, as well as helping our business community to explore new opportunities within international markets. At the same time, the decision is likely to create many new jobs within the regional economy as well as helping to drive inward investment into South Yorkshire."