Revised airspace plans submitted as Doncaster Sheffield Airport revival progresses

Plans to restore controlled airspace around Doncaster Sheffield Airport have been refined, with operators confirming the changes will not limit future passenger or freight capacity.

The updated proposals form part of an ongoing Airspace Change Proposal (ACP) process being assessed by the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), which began reviewing options last year as part of efforts to support the airport’s reopening.

Scaled-back preferred option identified

New documents outlining the first two stages of the process show that a revised design — now known as Option Three— has been selected as the preferred approach.

The option represents a reduction from earlier proposals, reflecting feedback from stakeholders including aviation bodies and neighbouring airspace users.

Despite the smaller footprint, airport leaders say the revised airspace will still provide the flexibility needed to attract airlines and cargo operators.

No impact on growth ambitions

Airport operator FlyDoncaster stressed that the updated plans do not affect the airport’s long-term capacity or ambitions.

Planning policy currently allows for around 40,000 air traffic movements (ATMs) per year, which could support millions of passengers and significant freight volumes.

Christian Foster, director of FlyDoncaster, said securing controlled airspace is essential to unlocking the airport’s full potential.

“We’ve always been clear that we require our own controlled airspace to see the full potential of this project,” he said.

He added that the revised proposal aligns with CAA requirements, which state that airspace should be no larger than necessary to support operations.

“To be clear, this absolutely does not limit the amount of air traffic movements, freight, or passengers which the airport can handle,” Foster said.

Positive industry response

Foster said feedback from stakeholders had been largely positive, with support from other airport operators highlighting collaboration within the aviation sector.

“The recognition of what a reopened Doncaster Sheffield Airport can bring shows the collaborative nature of the aviation industry in the UK,” he said.

Recruitment and next steps

Alongside the airspace process, work is continuing to prepare the airport for reopening, including a recruitment drive.

Around 40 key roles have already been filled, with plans to increase staffing to around 200 employees by the end of the year.

The preferred airspace option will now move forward in the approval process, as the airport continues efforts to re-establish operations and attract new routes.

Foster added that discussions with airlines and industry partners indicate strong demand for the airport’s return.

“This is an ambitious project, and the more we speak with aviation industry figures and potential customers, we are seeing high levels of demand that reassure us of the future success of the project,” he said.