The South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA) approved the investment in September 2025, according to a report. The revival follows campaigning by residents and local politicians and has been backed by the British Government. SYMCA had previously committed £16 million of the investment.
The airport, originally an airfield used by the Royal Flying Corps in the First World War, operated as Robin Hood Airport from 2005 until its closure in 2022. The Peel Group, its owners, deemed it financially 'unviable' due to plateauing passenger numbers. The closure left South Yorkshire without an international airport.
Significant passenger operations are not expected to restart until the summer of 2028, according to reports. SYMCA previously teased the potential for limited passenger activity and cargo from winter 2026. Authorities are looking to bring back international flights in the coming years.
Mayor of South Yorkshire Oliver Coppard said at a press conference that the decision to invest in reopening the airport was historic and aimed at creating a sustainable aviation and advanced manufacturing hub. He acknowledged risks but said the plan was backed by data and expertise. Mayor of Doncaster Ros Jones said on social media that more details would be shared as the programme develops.
Specific airlines or routes have not yet been secured, and the exact timeline for limited passenger activity and cargo operations starting in winter 2026 remains unclear. The allocation of the £160 million investment across different phases has not been detailed, and the current status of the airport's infrastructure and required upgrades are unknown.