Public poll shows overwhelming support for airport’s take off

The results of the survey which ran over several weeks this winter also show overwhelming support from those who took part with 89 per cent saying they would use the airport once open.

Some of the headlines are:

• 10,048 people completed the survey
• 93 per cent support the reopening of the airport
• 89 per cent say they would use the airport once reopened
• 84 per cent have previously used the airport
• 80 per cent had a positive experience when they used the airport
• 18 per cent of those who took part were aged under 34; 31 per cent were aged between 35 – 54 and just over half of respondents were aged over 55
• Majority of respondents would like to see the airport used for package holidays and short breaks/city breaks with long haul flights being a favoured use along with a quick and hassle-free experience through the terminal
• Respondents want to see a range of destinations on offer from European holiday favourites such as the Canary and Balearic Islands, Spain, Greece and Portugal, to closer to home destinations including the Channel Islands, Ireland and Scotland through to further afield including America, the Caribbean, the Far East and Australia.

Mayor Ros Jones welcomed the feedback which will now be used to help shape the future use of the airport.

“It’s great to see so many local people and some further afield respond and give their views on the future use of the airport. Thanks to everyone who took the time to do so,” said Mayor Jones.

“I know people want to see the airport reopen as soon as possible and I share that impatience, but we need to follow the required steps as part of our plan to get it reopened. We will take on board what people have told us and use that to help shape the future reopening,” she added.

The conversation asked for people to share their experiences of using the airport with positive comments such as:

• It was honestly the best airport to travel from, seamless, stress free, on our doorstep. I see nothing but positives for the local economy in getting the airport open asap!
• Always enjoyed the ease of travelling with young children from Doncaster, a short transfer from home to the airport and airport back home again made the journey a lot less stressful for parents of young children
• Everybody was so friendly and very helpful
• My son’s first holidays were from Doncaster Airport we have very happy memories of the Airport and strongly support its reopening
• I used the airport before it closed and it was the best experience I've ever had at any airport. Stress free, convenient, not too busy and very close to home. I couldn't have been happier with my experience
• Loved flying from here - it is 10 minutes from home and makes the journey so much more enjoyable without a long drive either side. Found the experience much easier and more chilled than larger airports. It made travel feel more easily accessible which is really exciting
• Being an ex-employee from its first flight to its last, the reopening is essential for Doncaster. Let's get us operational and we can make it a success

Mayor Ros looked ahead to the New Year and beyond, commenting: “We now have an intense time ahead in 2026 to get the essential certification and licences in place along with the reinstatement of our airspace. Our conversations with airlines and carriers continue about destinations supported by our aviation experts. It’s great to see people wanting to fly from Doncaster to around the globe. I’ll say more when I am able to.

“2025 has been an exceptionally busy year but one that has been critical in getting us to the point where we are today. Thank you everyone for your continued support – the public, South Yorkshire leaders, businesses and local campaigners. Let’s look forward to 2026 with aspiration and determination.”