As the campaign to revive Doncaster Sheffield Airport (DSA) approaches its critical juncture, Yorkshire’s business community is urging the newly appointed Secretary of State for Transport, Louise Haigh MP, to take decisive action.
By collaborating with the Civil Aviation Authority to reinstate DSA’s airspace to its former designation, the community aims to ensure a smooth and timely reopening of the airport, thus unlocking significant economic potential for the region.
The Call to Action
The open letter to Louise Haigh MP, signed by leading business representatives from across Yorkshire, emphasizes the strategic and economic importance of DSA. The signatories include the Chief Executives of the regional Chambers of Commerce for Doncaster, Sheffield, and Barnsley & Rotherham, as well as representatives from the Federation of Small Businesses, the Sheffield Property Association, Make UK, The Confederation of British Industry Yorkshire and the Humber, and the Company of Cutlers in Hallamshire.
Additional support comes from key figures such as Tariq Shah, Peter Kennan, and Mark Chadwick. Together, these organisations represent thousands of businesses in South Yorkshire, lending considerable weight to their plea.
The letter opens with a congratulatory note to Louise Haigh on her new appointment and swiftly transitions into a compelling argument for the reinstatement of DSA’s airspace designation. The business leaders outline the collaborative efforts and significant progress made over the past two years, including securing a 125-year lease for the site and nearing the announcement of a new operator for the airport.
You can read the entire letter here.
The Importance of DSA
The letter highlights the adverse impact of the airport’s uncertain future on the region. When the airport’s owners announced a strategic review, it was a significant blow, but it also galvanized the community into action. The business leaders detail the collective efforts of political partners, local authorities, campaigning groups, and the private sector in a united “Team South Yorkshire” front. Their combined efforts have brought them to the brink of securing the airport’s future, with a new operator announcement imminent.
The critical concern now is the designation of the airspace. Without the proper airspace classification, the reopening of DSA could face unnecessary delays, deferring economic benefits and stalling the region’s growth. The letter argues that reinstating the airspace designation is essential to avoid these hurdles and maximize the airport’s potential impact.
Economic Impact and Potential
The letter underscores the economic significance of DSA for South Yorkshire. An impact study estimates that the airport has the potential to generate over £1.5 billion in net benefits over the next 30 years and create thousands of jobs. The business community is deeply invested in the airport’s survival, recognizing its importance for the region’s economic success. Successful economies need successful airports, and DSA is seen as a pivotal asset for South Yorkshire.
Appeal to the Government
The business leaders’ appeal to the government is clear: support the reinstatement of DSA’s airspace designation to safeguard one of South Yorkshire’s most valuable assets.
They emphasize the opportunity for the new government to demonstrate its commitment to local partners and regional economic projects. The letter closes with an invitation to Louise Haigh and her officials to meet and discuss the matter further, signaling a willingness to collaborate for the region’s benefit.
Moving Forward
With the City of Doncaster Council having secured a long-term lease and the announcement of a new operator on the horizon, the focus now shifts to ensuring that DSA can reopen without delays. The business community’s united front and strategic push for government support underscore the critical nature of this moment.
Reinstating the airspace designation is seen as the final piece of the puzzle, necessary to unlock the airport’s full potential and drive economic growth for South Yorkshire.
