Unions demand answers from Reform UK council over vital airport plans

Unions say they have concerns about a Reform UK led council’s commitment to reopen Doncaster Sheffield Airport . The airport has been shut since 2022, when former owner and operator Peel Group said it was no longer financially viable. Peel still owns the former RAF Finningley base but Doncaster Council signed a 125-year lease for the land in 2024. Last November, councillors agreed to take out a £57million loan to help reopen the airport. However, unions are worried the council is set to go back on the promise. They say that, before the loan funding was agreed, Doncaster Council approved an initial £16million facility to allow work on reopening the airport to begin, money that risks being lost if the plans do not go ahead. A report for City of Doncaster Council’s cabinet October put the cost of reopening the airport at £193million. Unions are organising a “save our airport’ protest outside the airport - formerly known as Robin Hood Airport - on Wednesday to hammer home their message. It comes despite reports that operator Fly Doncaster has launched a search for on-site partners. They could include a fixed base operator to carry out functions for private jets, medical aircraft and private pilots. TUC Yorkshire Regional Secretary Dave Pike said: “Reform looked voters in the face and promised that Doncaster Sheffield Airport would be at the heart of regenerating Doncaster and the wider region. We expect them to honour that promise. “The terms of the loan have not changed since before or after last year’s election so there is no justification for this huge U turn. “Reopening Doncaster Sheffield Airport would create thousands of good quality, union jobs and deliver a huge boost to the local economy. Walking away now would mean wasting money already spent, put all those on the line and squandering a once in a generation opportunity for this region.” Sarah Barnes, GMB Organiser, said: “It wasn’t long ago workers, unions and politicians fought tooth and nail to save Doncaster Sheffield airport. Now, councillors want to trample all over their dreams and rob South Yorkshire of its international transport hub. “Doncaster Sheffield airport is vital for the region and will create thousands of jobs. The council needs to row back on their broken promise and give us back our airport.” Unite regional officer Chris Rawlinson said: “Unite is clear: the reopening of Doncaster Sheffield Airport is vital for jobs, growth, and the region’s future. “While concerns about lease terms should be addressed, withdrawing the £57 million loan - as proposed by Reform UK - would risk derailing the entire project. The priority must be to strengthen the deal, not stop it, and Unite will campaign to ensure this crucial investment is delivered.” The Mirror has contacted Doncaster Council for comment.