Place Yorkshire
Sally Gibson
22 Jan 2026
Freight operations and fuel infrastructure are at the heart of Doncaster Sheffield Airport’s growth plans, with ‘no glass ceiling’ being imposed on the site’s potential.
Speaking at Panattoni’s Doncaster 420 site – the largest spec-built unit in Yorkshire at 418,000 sq ft, just minutes from the airport – Christian Foster, director of South Yorkshire Airport City, highlighted the potential to expand cargo handling far beyond current levels.
The airport, which closed after handling an average of 23,000 tonnes of freight, could realistically aim for more than 100,000 tonnes, he said, with ambitions ultimately reaching 400,000 tonnes.
“There is no glass ceiling… In East Midlands, they’re handling 400,000 tonnes and aiming for 800,000 tonnes,” he noted.
The airport’s two-mile long runway allows large cargo aircraft, such as the Antonov, to operate safely. “This is the runway that enables the largest aircraft to land,” Foster said. “When we talk about a ‘non-bucket-and-spade’ airport, we mean large freight planes.”
Fuel infrastructure is another priority, with plans for a new fuel farm to maximise commercial opportunities. “The way an airport makes money is in many ways, but fuel is key,” Foster said.
DSA is also positioning itself as a hub for sustainable aviation...
'North Heathrow' ambitions outlined for Doncaster Sheffield Airport - Place Yorkshire - 22 Jan 2025
