Doncaster airport development given go-ahead
UK: Former RAF base already has the longest runway in Europe
Plans for a new airport that could one day become a “second Manchester” have been unveiled by the Government.
The deputy prime minister John Prescott has approved the development of the former Finningley RAF base, near Doncaster. The base has Europe’s largest runway; work on updating the facility’s terminals will begin soon.
The Guardian, reporting on the development, states that the project will be an important regeneration opportunity for South Yorkshire, and that more than 7,000 jobs will be created. Peel Holdings, which owns Liverpool’s John Lennon airport, says the project will cost £80 million and will be running within 18 months. The newspaper reports that Ryanair is “looking forward to bringing low-cost fares to the area”.
However, the decision is said to have annoyed environmental campaigners; Friends of the Earth said: “This decision makes a mockery of the Government’s airport consultation; we are only half way through the process and they are already approving new airports.”
Have your say Cancel reply
Subscribe/Login to Travel Mole Newsletter
Travel Mole Newsletter is a subscriber only travel trade news publication. If you are receiving this message, simply enter your email address to sign in or register if you are not. In order to display the B2B travel content that meets your business needs, we need to know who are and what are your business needs. ITR is free to our subscribers.































France prepares for a massive strike across all transports on September 18
Turkish tourism stalls due to soaring prices for accommodation and food
CCS Insight: eSIMs ready to take the travel world by storm
Germany new European Entry/Exit System limited to a single airport on October 12, 2025
Airlines suspend Madagascar services following unrest and army revolt