The collapse of talks aimed at saving Doncaster Sheffield Airport (DSA) is a ‘significant blow’ for South Yorkshire, council says.
The Peel Group has announced it will not purchase DSA after concluding that the airport ‘is and will remain unviable.’
‘Regretfully, no tangible proposals have been received regarding the ownership of the airport or which address the fundamental lack of financial viability,’ a company statement said.
‘The high fixed costs associated with running a safe, regulated airport, together with recent events materially reducing prospective future aviation income streams, mean that a break-even business plan cannot be identified for the foreseeable future.’
Responding to the announcement, South Yorkshire Mayor Oliver Coppard commented: ‘I’m devastated by today’s announcement by Peel and angry about the impact it will have on our communities. Most importantly, there are hundreds of people across Doncaster and South Yorkshire who will now be frightened for their future.’
Cllr Terry Fox, leader of Sheffield City Council said: ‘To say this is unwelcome news is an understatement – partners across South Yorkshire have made a massive effort to get Peel to consider alternatives and this is a significant blow, including to the airport employees as the nation faces a cost of living crisis.’
