Significant Milestone for Airport Reopening as 'Vital' Consultative Committee Appointed

ACCs are an integral part of any airport ecosystem, providing a means of feedback between airport management, users, neighbours and other stakeholders.

The first meeting of Doncaster’s ACC was held at the airport on Monday 26 January, and overseen by highly experienced chair, Paul McCurry, who in a 30-year career at South Yorkshire Police held the position of Head of Operational Support and Superintendent. A qualified pilot, Doncaster-born McCurry, who now works in academia, also previously served as Head of Community Safety at Sheffield City Council.

The meetings bring together a range of individuals, specialists and expertise, including elected members and aviation representatives. Moving forward, the group will meet at regular intervals as the reopening project progresses. The appointment of an ACC represents a crucial regulatory milestone in regaining airspace certificate from the Civil Aviation Authority.

Chair of the new ACC, Paul McCurry said: “We were delighted to hold the first meeting of Doncaster’s ACC, paving the way for continued progress in the airport’s reopening. It is a vital requirement for ACCs to have a deep understanding of the communities surrounding an airport while maintaining a close yet independent working relationship with the operator.

“In a very productive meeting, we discussed a range of issues, from understanding latest milestones in the process, to defining the priorities of this group and how it best represents the many stakeholders involved in the project, in order to have a meaningful input on proposed operations. We look forward to a very productive relationship with the airport management moving forwards.”

Programme Director for City of Doncaster Council (which is reopening the airport through Fly Doncaster), Christian Foster, said: “This is a hugely significant milestone in the reopening of the airport. ACCs are a critical part of the picture, providing the link between airport management and the stakeholders that are impacted by its operation.

“We have a great group of individuals representing communities, businesses and other interested parties, who will play a crucial role moving forwards under Paul’s stewardship. The airport project is progressing at pace, as we pull together all the elements required to get the airport open as soon as possible.”

Under U.K. law, airports must maintain an effective mechanism to consult with stakeholders. They fulfil a statutory obligation for major UK airports to engage with the public, providing a crucial advisory role in discussing topics ranging from environmental issues, airport development, operations, community feedback and quality of service.

The first consultative committee was attended by representation from the following organisations:

• Fly Doncaster
• The Environment Agency
• City of Doncaster Council including Public Health
• North Lincolnshire Council
• Lincolnshire County Council
• 2Excel Aviation
• SaveDSA

And councillors from:

• City of Doncaster Council
• Bassetlaw District Council
• Blaxton Parish Council
• Auckley Parish Council

About ACC Chair Paul McCurry:

Paul McCurry is a policing academic and senior practitioner with over 30 years’ experience in UK policing. He is currently a Lecturer in Policing and Directorate Lead for Apprenticeships at the University of Salford. Prior to entering academia, Paul served as a Superintendent in South Yorkshire Police, where he led specialist operational functions including firearms, public order policing, airport policing and emergency planning.

His professional expertise includes leadership, public safety, critical incident command, and multi‑agency working. He also has extensive experience working with government agencies and is well known for his strong commitment to partnership working, having previously served as Head of Community Safety at Sheffield City Council. Paul is a Fellow of Advance HE, holds a Postgraduate Certificate in Academic Practice, and is a member of the Chartered Management Institute.

Alongside his academic and professional career, Paul has a long‑standing passion for aviation, with over 25 years’ flying experience, having gained his pilot wings at Humberside International Airport.