Mayor says TUI is keen to return to airport

AIRLINE TUI has told Doncaster Council that it is ‘keen’ to return to a re-opened Doncaster Sheffield Airport.

The council agreed a 125-year lease to operate the airport with landowners Peel last month, but will outsource the running of the site to an experienced aviation industry operator and is currently in negotiations with bidders.

Discussions have also taken place with TUI, which was the last major airline to remain at Doncaster Sheffield when it closed in autumn 2022.

Mayor Ros Jones said: “We have heard from TUI that they are keen to return to our airport, and we have kept in regular contact with them.

"We have engaged TUI with the bidders for their return to our airport to be explored and we are hopeful that we will see TUI’s brand back in Doncaster.

“Their spokesman has told us that TUI has always supported Doncaster Sheffield Airport and was disappointed when the airport closed. They are excited about actively engaging with stakeholders about a potential reopening.”

The bidders for the operating contract are currently finalising their business plans and have been given access to the site, the former RAF Finningley base.

The mayor thanked local campaigner Mark Chadwick, who runs a Facebook group raising awareness of efforts to re-open the airport.

She said: “For the next couple of months or so it will be a bit quiet, as the confidential process to appoint an operator reaches its conclusion.”

TUI operated the first flight to depart Doncaster in 2005 under its former brand Thomson, and the final arrival to touch down on the runway from Egypt.

The carrier’s management always opposed Peel’s decision to declare Doncaster commercially unviable, saying it was a popular base with customers.