AN ABANDONED UK airport that once offered budget flights to Spain and Cyprus has revealed plans to re-open after a two-year closure.

Doncaster Sheffield Airport shut in 2022 after Wizz Air confirmed it would terminate the majority of its flights from the airport.

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The airport, also known as the Robin Hood Airport, is located in Finningley near Doncaster and previously served millions of travellers heading to holiday destinations.

It opened to passengers in 2005 and was one of only two commercial international airports in Yorkshire.

Within its first year, it became the 23rd largest airport in the UK, and by 2007, it had served an impressive 2.28 million passengers.

The first commercial flight from Doncaster Sheffield Airport was to Palma de Majorca, and it has since flown travellers to destinations across Greece, Portugal, and France.

The airport’s reopening is expected to delight nearby residents, who will be eager to once again use the popular travel hub.

Mayor Ros Jones stated that she intends to keep “councillors, residents, and businesses updated” as plans progress to reopen Doncaster Sheffield Airport.

She added: “The procurement of an operator is in its final stages of due diligence, we have regular meetings with investors, businesses and airlines.

“We have submitted a Statement of Need to the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) in relation to re-establishing our airspace, this will soon be publicly available via the CAA website, I cannot emphasise enough the importance of retaining our airspace, our MPs continue to engage with the Aviation Minister in relation to this.”

Mark Chadwick, a garage owner, is part of the Save Doncaster Sheffield Airport (DSA) campaign.

He revealed that a major announcement regarding the airport’s reopening is expected in the coming weeks and encouraged people to sign a petition advocating for the reinstatement of the airport’s airspace.

The garage owner stated that the council was in discussions with potential operators and urged campaign members to remain patient as due diligence is conducted.

He said: “The purpose of due diligence is to mitigate risks, ensure legal compliance, and contribute to effective decision-making.

“So please be patient. And as my dear mum used to say “if you’ve nothing nice to say please don’t say anything!”

THE AIRPORT’S FUTURE

Doncaster Council signed a new 125-year lease on the travel hub earlier this year, while a new operator is expected to be named soon.

What’s more, millions of pounds worth of grants have been approved for the airport, while airlines have expressed an eagerness to return to its runways.

And last week, Three MPs from Doncaster met the new Aviation Minister Mike Kane to discuss the airport’s future.

The minister revealed that he is working with the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) on its reopening and on reopening its airspace, to allow planes to land and take off.

In a post on X, formerly Twitter, MP for Doncaster East and Axholme Lee Pitcher said: “Pleased to have met the Minister for Aviation & his team to discuss opening the airspace above Doncaster when needed – There was a strong commitment.

“Pleased to hear that the team are working closely with the CAA already to help allow the airspace to be available when required.”

Pitcher was joined in the meeting by Doncaster North MP Ed Miliband and Doncaster Central MP Sally Jameson.

The trio had previously written to the Aviation Minister to put forward the case for the airport’s reopening, urging him to prevent it becoming a “long and convoluted process”.

Their letter, published by Doncaster Free Press, reads: “As time is of the essence in our determination to re-open the airport, we strongly request that you as Aviation Minister intervene in preventing a long and convoluted new process that could place the airport; its operator and the airlines and freight companies at risk.

“A number of airline operators have already indicated a desire to commence operations at the Airport and it is likely that this will include a mix of low-cost, charter and full-service operators.

“Once the airport operator has been finalised in September, plans will be drawn up to re-commence general and business aviation traffic, with passenger operations to follow.”

Included in those airlines hoping to fly from the airport once it reopens is TUI, which confirmed earlier this year that it wants to use the hub again in the future.

The carrier was one of several that used to use the airport, which offered flights to places like Spain, Cyprus, Poland and Romania.

A TUI spokesperson previously said: “TUI has always supported Doncaster Sheffield Airport, proudly flying customers from the region and were disappointed when the airport closed.

“We’re excited about actively engaging with stakeholders about a potential re-opening”.

The Sun has contacted Sheffield council and save DSA for comment.

ONE of the best airlines in the world has revealed their brand new cabins – with better seats in economy.

Cathay Pacific was named the fifth best airline in the world earlier this year in the SkyTrax Awards.

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It also won World’s Best Economy this year, as well as World’s Cleanest Airline.

Cathay Group CEO Ronald Lam saying they were “extremely encouraged” after moving up from the top 10 to the top five for being one of the top airlines.

And launching this month are new cabins on their Boeing 777-300ER aircraft.

The economy cabin is being “refreshed” with new seat covers as well as improved ergonomics.

The inflight entertainment interface has been improved, while the headrests are now flexible.

Premium Economy upgrades include padded footrests, leather headrests and 12.6 inch 4K screens.

The privacy features have been improved with “wings” and dividers between the seats.

Reading lights, cocktail tables and extra storage are also part of the new designs.

The premium economy passengers also get their own bathrooms on the flight, with touchless flush, taps and bins.

And Cathay Pacific is rolling out their Aria Suite in business class.

The “crown jewel” of business class, new suite doors have been introduced for the first time.

The doors are similar to ones on other airlines such as Qatar Airways and British Airways.

The suites also have 24 inch TV screens, wireless charging and fancy suede walls and wool seats.

There are even new storage designs which have cabinets and drawers, with headphone hooks, drink trays and personal mirrors.

Brits can fly with Cathay Pacific on flights from London Heathrow and Manchester to Hong Kong.

Flights start from £670 return, taking around 11 hours.

Another airline recently revealed their new cabin designs.

Delta connects the UK to the US with flights from London Heathrow, London Gatwick and Edinburgh.

What is it like to go to Hong Kong?

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Cathay Pacific connects the UK to Hong Kong – and the Sun’s Deputy Travel Editor Kara Godfrey visited.

“Hong Kong is a great stopover destination between trips to Australia and New Zealand.

“It’s easy to get around — the Metro is simpler than the London Underground and you can even hop on a “ding ding,” one of the many double-decker trams.

“There are amazing bars to choose from – Ozone is the the highest rooftop bar in the world while the Quinary was named one of the best bars in Asia.

“Escape the city for a day to Sai Kung, an hour away and called the “back garden of Hong Kong” although even reminded me of Hawaii.

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“If you want to stay, then the most famous is the country’s oldest hotel, The Peninsula.

“Dating back to 1928 and dubbed the Grand Dame of the East, it has since opened a hotel in London.”

Being introduced on their Boeing 757 planes, improvements are being rolled out in economy, premium economy and business class.

And we went to see what to expect from British Airways’ mega £7billion makeover of the entire airline – here’s what you can expect.

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THE country’s largest tour operator is launching new package holidays to two festive destinations in Europe.

Brit holidaymakers will now be able to book package holidays to Bratislava and Malmo with Jet2.

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The tour operator has confirmed it will be launching package holidays to the city break destinations following strong demand from UK holidaymakers.

Jet2 will operate flights from Manchester Airport and Birmingham Airport to Vienna Airport in Austria.

From Vienna, it’s an hour’s drive to Bratislava where holidaymakers can book into a range of four star hotels located in the heart of the city.

Package holidays to Bratislava from Manchester and Birmingham airports go on sale today (October 18) until May 19, 2025.

Jet2 will also add extra services to Vienna from several UK airports, including Bristol, East Midlands, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Leeds Bradford and London Stansted.

These flights will operate in November and December for the festive period.

Bratislava in Slovakia is a relatively small for a European capital, but it has a lot for visitors to explore along its streets.

Chief among them is its incredibly affordable beer selection, with pints averaging around £1.60.

Beer isn’t the only popular drink in the city either, with honey wine a special local tipple, and it’s usually sold at Christmas markets, where it’s often drunk hot.

Visitors to the city can go to the Medovina distillery where the honey wine is brewed, so they can taste it and learn more about the bees and the brewing process.

The best place to enjoy a drink in Bratislava is the city’s old town, which is described as an “historic neighbourhood filled with charming narrow lanes, burgher’s houses and nobles’ palaces”.

It’s also the perfect part of the city in which to try local dishes like bryndzové halušky, described by Flash Pack as “gnocchi-like dumplings served with sheep cheese and a sprinkling of bacon”.

One person previously wrote: “Very beautiful. Especially charming during Christmas market, where you can feel the holidays atmosphere, to taste delicious food, sausages, beer, boiled wine, desserts etc.”

Other attractions include Bratislava Castle, the Slovak National Museum and the highly Instagrammable Blue Church.

Jet2 will also be launching package holidays to Malmo in Sweden.

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Christmas market getaways to Malmo will run from November 29, 2024 until December 23, 2024.

Flights will operate from Leeds Bradford Airport and Newcastle International Airport.

Brit holidaymakers will fly from the UK to Copenhagen before taking a direct train over the Oresund Bridge that links Denmark and Sweden.

Twice weekly services will operate every Monday and Friday from Leeds Bradford and Newcastle International Airport this winter.

Holidaymakers can bok to stay in a range of hotels in Malmo through Jet2 City Breaks.

Just like Bratislava, Malmo is another popular Christmas market destination thanks to the wooden market stalls selling festive treats and local delicacies like gløgg and saffron buns.

However, unlike Bratislava food and drink in Malmo is a little pricier, with a pint of beer costing around £5.80.

Located in the city’s largest square, Gustav Adolfs Torg market is adorned with twinkling lights and shopping stalls.

Other attractions in the square include an ice rink, choir singers and a carousel.

Jet2 boss, Steve Heapy, said: “City and Christmas market breaks are continuing to grow in popularity, so we are delighted to be going on sale with two brand-new destinations for Winter 24/25. 

“Bratislava and Malmo are fantastic destinations, and we are expecting these new city and Christmas market packages with Jet2CityBreaks to be very popular with both customers and independent travel agents.  

“We are always listening and reacting to feedback from holidaymakers, and this latest expansion of our Cities and Christmas Markets programmes for this winter is just another example of that.

“With the addition of Malmo and Bratislava to our already huge winter programmes, customers are spoiled for choice when it comes to discovering a new city or experiencing a European Christmas market this season.”

Meanwhile, this new European airline is set to launch flights this summer.

And this lesser-known airline has new flights from two UK airports.

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