Recruitment has begun for key senior roles at Doncaster Sheffield Airport (DSA) as plans to reopen the site move forward, nearly two years after its closure.
FlyDoncaster, the company created by City of Doncaster Council to manage the airport, has launched a search for three senior executives: a head of general aviation and cargo, a head of fire rescue and emergency planning, and a head of assets.
The posts are described as “pivotal” in ensuring the airport meets technical, regulatory and safety requirements ahead of its phased return to operation.
£160m Programme to Revive Airport
DSA closed in 2022 after owners cited financial losses, despite strong local opposition. A deal backed by almost £160m in public funding was agreed earlier this year to bring the site back into use.
The revival is being led by South Yorkshire Airport City, a regeneration project set up to support growth around the site. Director Christian Foster said filling these senior roles was a crucial step.
“These jobs are vital to manage the comprehensive, technical, regulatory and legal operating requirements of an airport,” he said. “We now need to get the right people in place starting at the top tier in the executive structure.”
Responsibilities of the Roles
Head of general aviation and cargo: tasked with leading cargo and freight services, ensuring safety and compliance, and overseeing day-to-day operations.
Head of fire rescue and emergency planning: responsible for delivering on-site emergency services, developing robust procedures, and guaranteeing rapid response capability.
Head of assets: will manage the site’s infrastructure, equipment and buildings, ensuring sustainability standards and regulatory compliance are met.
Each role, Foster stressed, requires “high-level expertise and a significant track record in delivery and experience.”
Timeline for Recruitment and Operations
Applications close at the end of September, with appointments expected soon after. While some posts could start earlier, the council has set an ultimate deadline of early 2026 for filling the roles.
This is the first phase of recruitment, with further jobs to be advertised as the reopening gathers pace. Freight operations are due to begin in 2027, with the airport aiming to be fully operational by summer 2028.
A Symbolic Rebuild
The closure of DSA, which sits on the former RAF Finningley site, was met with strong opposition from local leaders and residents who argued it was vital for jobs and regional growth. Its planned return is seen as a symbolic boost for South Yorkshire’s economy.
City of Doncaster Council has pledged to deliver a sustainable and commercially viable operation, positioning the airport as both a regional hub and an anchor for wider regeneration around the site.
