Workers to hold rally to try and save Doncaster Sheffield Airport

The battle to save Doncaster Sheffield Airport in the UK will gather pace tomorrow with a rally attended by staff, union officials, the local MP and Regional Secretary, Hazel Nolan.

Wizz Air’s decision to withdraw operations at the airport has led the Board to “reluctantly conclude that aviation activity on the site may no longer be viable”.

As a result, airport owner, the Peel Group, is considering how best to develop the airport site going forward.

The GMB trade union, which represents staff at Doncaster Sheffield Airport, is calling for national government, local councils, and the South Yorkshire mayor to consider all options to save the airport, including public investment in the site.

Sarah Barnes, GMB regional organiser, said: “Government inaction, when jobs are on the line, is unacceptable. We know the money can be found, as a Conservative mayor was given the money by a Conservative UK government to buy Teesside airport.

“So why aren’t they offering the same for Doncaster? £55 million each year into the local economy, 800 jobs directly and thousands indirectly are on the line, as well as the holiday dreams of thousands of holidaying families.

“We need to see the government step in quickly and commit money to save Doncaster Sheffield Airport. That’s the best way we can secure its long-term future.”  

Around 165,000 people are said to back the campaign to save the UK regional gateway.

The Peel Group acquired the airport site in 1999 and has since invested significant amounts on upgrading the terminal and airfield, changes which paved the way for it to be converted it into an international gateway in 2005.