Who Is the New Doncaster Sheffield Airport Operator? Local Businesses React

Big news for Doncaster Sheffield Airport (DSA)—it finally has a new operator! Munich Airport International GmbH (MAI) has been chosen to take over the running of the airport, working closely with City of Doncaster Council (CDC) to bring it back to life.

For local businesses, this announcement is a game-changer. DSA has long been seen as a key piece of the puzzle for South Yorkshire’s economy, and its closure in 2022 was a massive blow. But with a well-respected operator now in place, there’s real hope that the airport will return stronger than ever.

So, what does this mean for Doncaster, local businesses, and the wider region? Let’s break it down.

A huge boost for business

Business leaders across Doncaster and South Yorkshire have been vocal about the airport’s importance, and today, they’re celebrating this major step towards reopening.

Dan Fell, Chief Executive of Doncaster Chamber, summed it up:

“We are thrilled that Munich Airport International will be overseeing the reopening of our region’s international airport, as they have real clout and expertise in this space. Entrusted in such a safe pair of hands, DSA is now poised to unlock its full potential and reap the economic benefits.”

And those benefits could be huge. According to City of Doncaster Council, reopening DSA could bring in up to £1.5 billion over the next 30 years. That’s thanks to new jobs, increased business opportunities, and better connections to global markets.

Matt Williams, Managing Director of Polypipe Building Products, highlighted the impact on local businesses:

“As a local manufacturer with a significant presence here, we recognise the critical role a successful regional airport plays in economic development. We are keen to understand the new operator’s plans and explore opportunities for collaboration.”

Good news for tourism

It’s not just businesses that stand to gain. Tourism is a big industry for South Yorkshire, and having an international airport nearby could help bring in more visitors.

John Minion, CEO of Yorkshire Wildlife Park, explained why this is so exciting:

“South Yorkshire is home to a number of fantastic attractions that draw in visitors from around the country, help put us in the national spotlight and, in turn, stimulate economic activity. Having a state-of-the-art airport in the region—one that’s so close to our own venue—will only help strengthen this offer and spur on our growth.”

More flights mean more tourists, which means more money spent in local shops, hotels, and attractions. It’s a win-win for everyone.

Attracting investment and jobs

An operational airport does more than just bring in tourists—it also makes Doncaster more attractive to businesses looking to invest in the area.

Mark Taylor, Founder and CEO of the Doncaster-based Automated Analytics, pointed out:

“An operational airport is fundamental to ensure Doncaster continues to attract inward investment, and I am confident my business will benefit and encourage our international client base to visit Doncaster.”

This could help Doncaster compete with cities like Manchester as a major commercial hub in the North. And as businesses grow, so do job opportunities.

A win for the community

Beyond business and tourism, a functioning airport improves quality of life for local residents. Ian Hoad, Divisional Chairman at Keepmoat Homes, put it simply:

“As we strive to make Doncaster a better place to live, work and spend leisure time, the advantages of having an international airport cannot be understated.”

Mark Chadwick, owner of Stadium Garage and a key member of the #SaveDSA campaign, was over the moon:

“This is amazing news! A proper operator for our airport here in Doncaster. This project is getting somewhere now, and I’m sure our campaign members will be thrilled with this announcement.”

What happens next?

While this is a massive step forward, there’s still a lot of work to do before planes start taking off again. But with Munich Airport International now involved, confidence is high that Doncaster Sheffield Airport will soon be back in business.

One thing is certain—local businesses, tourism leaders, and residents are ready to support its return.

Could this be the beginning of Doncaster’s own airport city? Time will tell, but for now, the future looks bright.