Middle East bid for Doncaster airport stalls

DONCASTER Sheffield airport’s rescue by a consortium from the Middle East has stalled following a stand-off with its owners Peel Group, whose bosses claimed they were unable to verify the names of those bankrolling the bid.

Mahmood Khaleel al-Hashmi, a prominent executive based in the United Arab Emirates state of Ajman, can be revealed as leading a consortium from the region that has expressed an interest in buying the stricken South Yorkshire airport. However, the approach has unravelled as Peel, the industrial group owned by British billionaire John Whittaker, is understood to have been unable to ascertain the source of the money behind the bid.

Representatives in the UAE insisted that they had provided all the relevant details but Rishi Somaiya, representing Mr Hashmi, also said that “we are absolutely not interested” in bidding unless permitted by Peel to conduct further due diligence.

British lawyers acting for the UAE consortium sent representations confirming proof of funds to Peel last Monday. However, they are understood to have not met Peel’s requirements, sources said.

Part of Peel’s concerns are thought to relate to continued relations between companies in Ajman, where Mr Hashmi operates, and Russian businesses.

Mr Somaiya insisted that there was no Russian involvement in the bid, saying: “There is no Russian money.”

Peel announced earlier this year that Doncaster Sheffield airport was no longer a viable commercial operation and would be closed.

Peel Group declined to comment.