Airport welcomes first large jet since 2022 closure

The first large jet to land at Doncaster Sheffield Airport (DSA) since its closure in 2022 has touched down.

The Boeing 727, owned by DSA-based 2Excel Aviation, is used to attend oil spills around the world, and staff said its arrival was an "amazing moment" for aviation and for the community.

The 727 landed after a test flight in preparation for returning permanently to DSA when the facility reopens.

Christian Foster, director of airport operator FlyDoncaster Ltd, said the moment marked a "great day" in the plan to reopen the site for freight from 2027 and to passengers from 2028.

In November 2025, City of Doncaster councillors agreed to take out a £57m loan to help reopen the site.

But there is another vote next month on whether the funds should be released.

In December 2024, a smaller plane became the first aircraft to land at the airport since its closure in November 2022.

Foster said he was "relieved" to see large jets landing at the airport again.

"What an amazing moment," he said.

"Amazing for the airport, for 2Excel, and also for the community. Absolutely brilliant."

He said the energy could be seen among the 50 flight staff on site.

"This is a great day," he said.

"This is a history day."

Foster said the landing marked a further step towards rebuilding the DSA team and said the airport had started to make "key decisions".

"Yeah, this is huge," he added.

2Excel has about 650 employees in total, with about 200 people currently based in Doncaster fulfilling a variety of roles, such as engineering and operations.

Andy Offer, 2Excel Aviation chief executive, said: "We're pleased to bring this aircraft back to Doncaster, our main operating base and where the 727 oil spill response fleet was stationed before the airport's closure.

"We have always maintained a strong presence here, even during the period it has been closed.

"It is a strategically important site for 2Excel and we continue to work with the team at FlyDoncaster Ltd to ensure we have a long and successful future at DSA."

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