An operator for Doncaster Sheffield Airport (DSA) is expected to be named by early August, now all potential investors have submitted bids.

The successful bidder is expected to sign a contract to take over the site in September, Doncaster Council said.

The authority said investors submitted bids and investment plans earlier this week and bids will be subject to an ‘intense period of evaluation’ before a decision is made at the end of July.

Council members approved the next steps at a meeting on Wednesday (19 June).  

DSA closed in November 2022 when owner Peel Group said it was not commercially viable.

In March, the council agreed a 125-year lease of the site and ‘considerable progress’ is being made on the South Yorkshire Airport City plan, which includes investment and development in the area surrounding the airport, Doncaster Mayor Ros Jones said.

In April, TUI said it was ‘keen to return’ to the airport.

Meanwhile, a petition to reopen the airspace over DSA as soon as possible has attracted over 7,500 signatures so far.