Defence secretary urged: fight for airport

A BARNSLEY MP has called on Defence Secretary Ben Wallace to step in to save an airport due to the ‘crucial’ emergency services and national security functions based there.

Peel Holdings announced plans to close Doncaster Sheffield Airport (DSA) and wind down the provision of aviation services by the end of the month.

Peel rejected an offer by South Yorkshire Mayor Oliver Coppard to keep DSA running – using public funding – which would have allowed more time for a new operator to be found.

Wentworth and Dearne MP John Healey said: “This is a decision with a huge impact on the whole of the region and at least 2,700 jobs are at stake.

“Importantly, it is also a decision with consequences for our national defence, security and emergency services.

“At a time when threats to the UK are increasing, we should not accept the short notice closure of this airport when it is used as a base for enabling our armed forces to fulfil their duties to defend Britain.”

The airport provides training for the armed forces, including live training for the British Army’s joint terminal attack controllers and rear seat sensor operators for the RAF’s intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition and reconnaissance force.

DSA is also home to the National Police Air Service which provides search and rescue assistance with criminal pursuits, and overwatch for large gatherings such as protests and sports matches.

The Maritime and Coastguard Service has aircraft on call at the airport.