Robin Hood Airport: A Historical Overview Of Its Origins

Robin Hood Airport, formerly known as Doncaster Sheffield Airport, was an international airport in Finningley, South Yorkshire, England. It was in operation between 2005 and 2022. The airport was opened as Finningley Airfield in 1915 and was used as a base for the Royal Flying Corps during the First World War. During the Second World War, the airfield was primarily used for training. In 2005, Peel Group opened the former RAF Finningley as Robin Hood Airport Doncaster Sheffield, which was renamed Doncaster Sheffield Airport in 2016.

Robin Hood Airport's history as RAF Finningley

Robin Hood Airport Doncaster Sheffield, formerly known as RAF Finningley, has a rich history dating back to the early 20th century. Here is a detailed account of the airport's history as RAF Finningley:

The Early Years:

RAF Finningley was established as Finningley Airfield in 1915 during the First World War. It served as a base for the Royal Flying Corps, tasked with intercepting German Zeppelins targeting industrial cities in Northern England, particularly Sheffield. The airfield played a crucial role in defending the region from aerial threats during the war.

Second World War and Post-War Years:

During the Second World War, RAF Finningley took on a new role as a training centre for bomber crews. While only a few combat missions took off from the airfield, it was vital in preparing aircrews for their operational duties. After the war, from 1946 to 1954, various training units continued to operate at Finningley with different aircraft types, including de Havilland Mosquito NF XXX night fighters and Gloster Meteor F.3 day fighters.

The Cold War Years:

During the Cold War, RAF Finningley once again became a strategic military airfield. It was home to the 'V-bomber' force, which included Avro Vulcans, Handley Page Victors, and Vickers Valiants. The airfield also served as a storage facility for nuclear weapons during this tense period. The long runway at RAF Finningley was even designated as a Space Shuttle emergency landing site, highlighting its importance in the Cold War era.

Decommissioning and Rebirth:

In the 1970s and 1980s, RAF Finningley returned to its training roots, focusing on multi-engine training and operational navigation training. However, by the mid-1990s, the airfield's military role came to an end. RAF Finningley was decommissioned in 1995, and the site remained unused for a few years. In 2005, Peel Airports purchased the site and transformed it into Robin Hood Airport Doncaster Sheffield, filling the gap left by the closure of Sheffield City Airport.

The history of Robin Hood Airport Doncaster Sheffield, previously known as RAF Finningley, spans decades and has witnessed the airfield's evolution from a defence asset during two world wars to a training hub and, ultimately, a commercial airport serving the region.

The airport's closure in 2022

Robin Hood Airport, officially known as Doncaster Sheffield Airport (DSA), was an international airport located in Finningley, near Doncaster in South Yorkshire, England. The airport was in operation between 2005 and 2022, serving the cities of Doncaster and Sheffield.

In 2022, the airport faced a series of challenges that ultimately led to its closure. Here is an overview of the events surrounding the closure of Robin Hood Airport in 2022:

Withdrawal of Key Operators:

Prior to the closure announcement, DSA experienced a significant setback with the withdrawal of key airline operators. In 2019, Flybe ceased its operations at the airport, relocating its crew and aircraft. This was followed by Wizz Air's decision in 2022 to end its flights from the airport due to issues with the airport operators. These losses left TUI Airways as the sole regular customer, impacting the airport's viability.

Plateauing Passenger Numbers:

Over the years, DSA struggled to consistently increase passenger numbers. Data from the UK Civil Aviation Authority showed fluctuations, with numbers peaking at 1.4 million in 2019 but then dropping again. The inability to attract and retain a substantial passenger base affected the airport's financial health.

High Operating Costs:

Airports inherently face high operating costs due to the expenses associated with security, air traffic control, and infrastructure maintenance. DSA, in particular, faced challenges due to its proximity to other major airports, such as Manchester Airport. This intense competition made it difficult for DSA to establish a loyal customer base and negotiate favourable commercial terms with airlines.

Lack of Financial Viability:

In September 2022, the airport's owners, The Peel Group, conducted a Strategic Review of the airport's operations. Unfortunately, they concluded that there was a "fundamental lack of financial viability." Despite efforts to find alternative solutions, no tangible proposals were received that addressed the airport's financial shortcomings.

Closure Announcement and Timeline:

On September 26, 2022, The Peel Group announced the impending closure of Doncaster Sheffield Airport. The airport was set to close during the week commencing Monday, October 31, 2022, bringing an end to its 17 years of operation. The final flights were operated by TUI Airways on November 4, 2022, and air traffic control services were withdrawn in December 2022.

The closure of Robin Hood Airport in 2022 had a significant impact on the local community, with concerns about job losses and the economic implications for the region. However, there are ongoing efforts to reopen the airport, with the City of Doncaster Council leading the negotiations and a potential reopening timeline set for Spring 2026.

The controversy surrounding the name 'Robin Hood'

The controversy surrounding the name Robin Hood

The name Robin Hood has been steeped in controversy for centuries. The earliest surviving copies of the narrative ballads that tell his story date back to the second half of the 15th century or the first decade of the 16th century. However, the origins of the legend and the historical context have been hotly debated for much longer.

One of the main controversies surrounding the name Robin Hood is the question of his historical existence. While some believe he was a genuine historical figure who stood up against tyranny and fought for the common people, others argue that he was simply a fictional character in English folklore.

Another controversy relates to the different interpretations of Robin Hood's social status. Some scholars argue that he was a member of the nobility, while others claim he was a commoner, specifically a yeoman. This debate has significant implications for how we understand Robin Hood's political and social message.

The location of Robin Hood's exploits is also a subject of controversy, with both Nottinghamshire and Yorkshire laying claim to his heritage. While Sherwood Forest in Nottinghamshire is often associated with Robin Hood in popular culture, some historians argue that the early ballads and references to the legend suggest a Yorkshire origin, specifically the Barnsdale area of South Yorkshire.

The political message conveyed by the Robin Hood legend is also controversial. Some see him as a libertarian figure opposing oppressive taxation, while others interpret him as a socialist advocating for wealth redistribution. This ambiguity has allowed different creators to imbue their adaptations with varying messages over the centuries.

Finally, the name Robin Hood itself has been controversial. In the 16th and 17th centuries, it was associated with sedition and treachery, and even in modern times, the character has been accused of having communist connotations. Despite these controversies, Robin Hood remains one of the best-known tales of English folklore, with his story continuing to capture the imagination of people worldwide.

The airport's facilities and services

Robin Hood Airport, also known as Doncaster Sheffield Airport, was an international airport in Finningley, South Yorkshire, England. It was in operation from 2005 to 2022 and was previously called RAF Finningley. The airport was home to a variety of facilities and services for passengers and visitors.

The airport terminal had a capacity of approximately 2.5 million passengers per year and offered a range of restaurants, bars, and shops. Passengers could access Wi-Fi provided by Cloud, a leading European Wi-Fi operator. Additionally, money exchange services and a variety of retail options were available, including shops for magazines, confectioneries, books, and newspapers. The terminal also featured 24 check-in desks, six departure gates, and three baggage carousels.

Outside the terminal, there were four on-site car parks, and a 102-bed Ramada Encore hotel located within a 10-minute walk. The airport was easily accessible by road, with the nearby M18 motorway just a 5-minute drive away via the 'Great Yorkshire Way'.

The airport was also home to several aviation businesses and services. It served as the base for the Doncaster Sheffield School of Flying, which offered introductory flying lessons, aircraft hire, and pilot training. Defence company BAE Systems operated their Aircraft Maintenance Academy from Hangar No. 3, alongside other companies such as Kinch Aviation Services and Bespoke Training Systems Ltd.

In addition to the main runway (02/20), which was one of the longest in the country, the airport had ample room for future cargo and passenger capacity expansion. The site also included a 10-hectare business park, which became part of the Sheffield City Region Enterprise Zone in 2014.

The airport's uncertain future

Robin Hood Airport, officially known as Doncaster Sheffield Airport (DSA), has had a turbulent history since its launch in 2005. The airport, formerly RAF Finningley, was bought by Peel Holdings, which had ambitious plans to transform the former RAF base into a thriving low-cost airport. However, the airport has faced several challenges, including a controversial name change, declining passenger numbers, and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

In 2016, the airport was rebranded from Robin Hood Airport to Doncaster Sheffield Airport, dropping the controversial association with the legendary hero. Despite this, the airport continued to struggle financially, with losses reaching £8.6 million in 2020/21. The COVID-19 pandemic further exacerbated these issues, with passenger numbers plummeting to just 167,000 in 2020.

In 2022, Wizz Air, one of the airport's main carriers, announced its departure, citing the airport's inability to guarantee the terms of its commercial agreement. This led to the Peel Group initiating a strategic review of the airport's future, and ultimately, the airport's closure was announced in September 2022. Despite efforts from local government officials and the identification of a potential bidder to reopen the airport, DSA saw its final passenger flights in November 2022.

However, there may be a glimmer of hope for the airport's future. In March 2024, a 125-year lease was signed with the intention of returning planes to the skies from Doncaster. The Mayor of Doncaster, Ros Jones, confirmed that an international airport operator is ready and waiting to run the airport, with the aim of resuming passenger flights in Spring 2026. The operator will partner with FlyDoncaster, a wholly-owned company of the council, to manage the airport's reopening. While there are still milestones to be reached, this development marks a significant step towards bringing aviation back to Doncaster.

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