About Us

We are Fly Doncaster Ltd, a newly formed operating company set up to mobilise, reopen and manage the running of Doncaster Sheffield Airport. Established by the City of Doncaster Council, we are committed to establishing a top-class regional airport and maximising its potential to bring economic growth to the region.

The Airport

Doncaster Sheffield operated as a commercial airport between 2005 and 2022. Today this means the site already boasts an established terminal, several hangars and top-class facilities. Having this infrastructure in place, alongside an excellent proximity to transport links, makes it the ideal location for both passenger and commercial flights.

Airport City

More than just an airport; Doncaster Sheffield Airport are delivering a major regeneration project, developing an aviation community that will drive economic growth across the area and the North of England.

Doncaster Sheffield Airport to welcome first large jet since 2022 closure

The runway at Doncaster Sheffield Airport
The last jet to leave Doncaster Sheffield Airport following its closure in 2022 is set for a landmark return to the site. 2Excel Aviation, which has its main operating base at the airport employing around 200 people on site, will land its Oil Spill Response Aircraft, at 11am on Tuesday 28th April.

The plane, a specially adapted Boeing 727, which was previously based full-time at the airport, will land at 11am from its current base at Southend and take off from Doncaster again at around 3pm local time.

A ‘NOTAM’ (Notice to Aviation) has been issued ahead of the aircraft’s arrival, warning against any conflicting aviation activities around the airport, including drone flights.

The visit will act as an important test-event during the reopening project.

Simon Hinchley, Executive Director – Airport Operations at Doncaster Sheffield Airport, said: “The arrival of this aircraft is an important and very deliberate step in our journey towards reopening Doncaster Sheffield Airport. Welcoming the first large jet since 2022 will allow us to thoroughly test our airfield infrastructure, operational systems, and assets in a live environment.

“This operation demonstrates that the airport’s core infrastructure remains robust, compliant, and capable of safely supporting jet operations. It also provides invaluable assurance to regulators, partners, and stakeholders that our airfield, procedures, and teams are progressing exactly as planned.

“This flight is not just symbolic - it is about operational readiness. It confirms that Doncaster Sheffield Airport is moving from planning into practical delivery, and it marks the beginning of a phased programme of testing and activity that will support our safe and sustainable return to full operations.”

While the public are not actively being encouraged to visit the airport during the event, anyone wishing to attend is being asked to plan their attendance carefully and respect the operational integrity of the site. The car park outside the main terminal building will be open, with security staff marshalling any visitors to the viewing area.

Anyone attending will only be able to view the aircraft from the viewing area in the VIP car park, or public land in and around the airport.

Simon Hinchley concluded: “We ask that anyone who is minded to visit, be respectful of our team and neighbours, leave plenty of time to travel and to comply with any requests we ask of them.”