Closed UK airport reveals new reopening plans with first direct train station for passengers
A MAJOR new UK airport reopening next year has released plans for new rail links connecting the north and Midlands to the airport.
Doncaster Sheffield Airport (DSA) was forced to close in 2022 over financial concerns.
However, the airport recently got the green light to reopen in 2026 following £30million in investment.
The City of Doncaster Council mayor, Ros Jones has announced the masterplan for Doncaster Sheffield Airport, with proposals for a rail link.
Taking to social media, the mayor said: "We are working on an updated masterplan for what the airport alongside Gateway East could look like once fully developed.
"[T]his also includes land allocated for a rail link and station to connect with both the Lincoln Line and East Coast Mainline (ECML), which would dramatically increase access for the region and beyond to our airport."
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The council is currently in conversation with the UK government and SYMCA around future transport investment.
This includes plans for DSA rail link to both the Lincoln Line and ECML, as well as other schemes across Doncaster.
Ros added: "The first step is of course to reopen our airport, then we can invest to improve connectivity and deliver the successful international airport that we know DSA can be!"
In 2022, under the previous government, £30million of City Region Sustainable Transport Settlements (CRSTS) funding was announced for a rail link to the Lincoln Line.
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In total, a rail link to both the Lincoln Line and ECML is estimated to cost £1billion.
Earlier this month, the government backed plans to reopen Doncaster Sheffield Airport with £30million in funding.
The airport is predicted to boost the economy by £5billion and contribute £2billion to wider benefits, by 2050.
It has sat unused since 2022, which is when it closed.
One airline that could relaunch flights from the airport is TUI, as it operated the last flight from Doncaster Sheffield Airport.
A spokesperson for the airline said: "TUI has always supported Doncaster Sheffield Airport, proudly flying customers from the region and were disappointed when the airport closed."
They added that they were "excited about actively engaging with stakeholders about a potential re-opening".
The airport also used to fly to destination like Berlin, Dubrovnik, Paris, Alicante, and Majorca.
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The airport has also revealed plans for five airlines to launch flights ahead of reopening next year.
And it could relaunch popular and cheap routes.
