Jazmin Li
In recent years, the UK has seen the closure of several airports, including Doncaster Sheffield Airport and Manston Airport. The closure of these airports has resulted in significant disruptions to travel and economic growth in the surrounding regions. However, there are ongoing efforts and investments being made to reopen these airports and boost regional development. While Heathrow Airport faced an unprecedented shutdown due to a fire, it quickly resumed operations with the support of the Department for Transport and key operators. With the backing of local leaders and devolved funding, Doncaster Sheffield Airport is expected to recommence flights by spring 2026, creating thousands of jobs and driving economic prosperity. Similarly, Manston Airport is undergoing redevelopment to become a dedicated airfreight hub, easing pressure on overcrowded London airports and improving freight transport across the UK. These developments highlight the UK's commitment to enhancing regional connectivity and supporting sustainable economic growth.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Airport | Heathrow Airport |
| Reason for closure | Fire at an electrical substation supplying the airport |
| Date of closure | 21 March 2025 |
| Reopening date | Some flights resumed on 22 March 2025 |
| --- | --- |
| Airport | Doncaster Sheffield Airport |
| Reason for closure | Lack of profitability and disappointing passenger numbers |
| Date of closure | November 2022 |
| Reopening date | Spring 2026 |
| --- | --- |
| Airport | Manston Airport |
| Reason for closure | N/A |
| Date of closure | N/A |
| Reopening date | 2028 |
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What You'll Learn
- Heathrow Airport closed due to a fire at an electrical substation
- Doncaster Sheffield Airport to reopen in 2026
- Manston Airport redevelopment as a dedicated airfreight hub
- South Yorkshire Mayor announces £30m investment to support airport reopening
- Heathrow Airport resumes flights following an unprecedented shutdown
Heathrow Airport closed due to a fire at an electrical substation
Heathrow Airport was closed on Friday, March 21, 2025, due to a fire at an electrical substation that resulted in a significant power outage. The fire, which began late on Thursday night, disrupted travel for around 200,000 passengers and caused the cancellation of over 1,000 flights to and from the airport.
Heathrow Airport's boss called the disruption "as big as it gets for our airport" and admitted that "we cannot guard ourselves 100%." The airport remained closed throughout Friday as it dealt with the incident, with airport bosses warning of "significant disruption" over the coming days. Passengers were advised not to travel to the airport and to contact their airlines for further information.
Counter-terror police led an investigation into the cause of the blaze, and the Metropolitan Police later announced that the cause of the fire was believed to be non-suspicious. The London Fire Brigade (LFB) also launched an investigation, focusing on the electrical distribution equipment. Energy Secretary Ed Miliband ordered an investigation into the power outage and stated that there were "lessons to be learned." Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander emphasized the importance of identifying the cause of the power failure to ensure the resilience of the airport.
On Saturday, Heathrow Airport resumed operations for a limited number of flights, and passengers were advised to arrive at the airport as normal for their scheduled flights. While some power had returned to Terminal 4, with lights and lifts operational again, disruption continued, and over 100 flights were cancelled. Heathrow was expected to run a full schedule on Saturday, and the airport apologized for the inconvenience caused by the incident.
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Doncaster Sheffield Airport to reopen in 2026
The Doncaster Sheffield Airport (DSA) closed in November 2022 when its owners, Peel Group, said it was no longer financially viable. However, there is good news for the region as the airport is set to reopen in 2026. The South Yorkshire Mayor, Oliver Coppard, announced a £30 million devolved funding investment into reopening the airport, with the support of the UK government. This investment is expected to create 5,000 jobs, boost the economy by £5 billion, and provide wider benefits of £2 billion by 2050.
The government has established a working group with Doncaster Council and the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA) to support local efforts to reopen the airport. Doncaster Council has established a wholly-owned subsidiary called Fly Doncaster and has secured Munich Airport International as its strategic partner to support the re-establishment of operations. The government's decision to support the reopening of the airport is a major boost for regional growth and an example of devolution in action.
The previous government had blocked the South Yorkshire Mayor's request to spend regional funding on relaunching the site. However, the current government has reversed this decision and is committed to supporting the region's development plans. The funding will be used to create a sustainable aviation hub in South Yorkshire, driving economic growth and private investment into the region. The airport once served several destinations, including Berlin, Dubrovnik, Paris, Alicante, and Mallorca, and its reopening is expected to enhance connectivity and open up supply chain opportunities for local businesses.
The CEO of Doncaster Chamber, Dan Fell, expressed his enthusiasm for the airport's reopening, stating that it will be a major win for the region and recognizing the importance of regional assets like DSA for growth. Local businesses, such as Pass Logistics, are also excited about the opportunities that the airport will bring, particularly in terms of enhanced connectivity and supply chain improvements. The investment in the airport is expected to be a significant boost for the region and a vote of confidence in its future success.
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Manston Airport redevelopment as a dedicated airfreight hub
The UK's Manston Airport has been given the go-ahead to become an international air freight hub, with cargo services initially planned to begin in the first quarter of 2023. The airport, which closed in 2014, has been at the centre of controversy, political skirmishes, and mistrust. However, RiverOak Strategic Partners (RSP), which acquired the airport in 2019, has won the Development Consent Order it sought, after government ministers overruled the planning inspectorate's recommendation to reject the scheme.
RSP has pledged to spend £300 million on rebuilding the airport, with construction due to start in 2021. The company says that the airport will help the UK trade globally, importing vital and time-sensitive goods, including fresh fruit and medical supplies. It will also provide a realistic alternative to overcrowded London airports and ease road congestion caused by lorries carrying freight through the Channel Tunnel. In addition, RSP forecasts that the airport will generate 2,000 permanent jobs once fully operational and 650 construction jobs, with a total of 23,000 jobs in the region by 2043.
The redevelopment of Manston Airport has faced opposition and legal challenges, with campaigners arguing that it will have a damaging effect on tourism, health, and the climate. Ramsgate resident Jenny Dawes has led multiple legal challenges, arguing that there is no need for the airport and that the government's decision-making process was flawed. Despite these challenges, RSP remains committed to the project and is working to address the concerns raised.
The airport's redevelopment is aligned with the UK's post-Brexit trading infrastructure and the growing e-commerce sector. It will provide dedicated air freight capacity adjacent to the London airports system, free from the uncertainties faced by airports reliant on passenger traffic. The UK government has also recognised the contribution of Manston Airport to the resilience of the country's under-pressure freight transport sector and its alignment with decarbonisation goals.
The redevelopment of Manston Airport as a dedicated airfreight hub is a complex and contentious issue. While it is expected to bring economic growth and job opportunities to the region, there are also concerns about its potential impact on the environment and tourism. As the project moves forward, it is essential to carefully consider and address these concerns to ensure a balanced approach that benefits the region and the country as a whole.
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South Yorkshire Mayor announces £30m investment to support airport reopening
On 9 April 2025, the South Yorkshire Mayor announced a £30 million devolved funding investment to support the reopening of Doncaster Sheffield Airport. The airport, which was previously called Robin Hood Airport, was closed in 2022 by its owners. The £30 million investment, which has been backed by the government, will be used to create a sustainable aviation hub in South Yorkshire, driving economic growth and development in the region.
The South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA) will use the funding to invest in critical infrastructure and create a thriving regional airport. The government has established a working group with Doncaster Council and SYMCA to support local efforts to reopen the airport and explore the wider benefits of the project.
According to local estimates, the reopening of the airport is expected to support 5,000 jobs and boost the economy by £5 billion by 2050. The South Yorkshire Mayor, Oliver Coppard, has stated that the investment is a vital signal of the shared commitment to the airport, growth, and creating good jobs in the community. The decision to invest in the airport is aligned with the region's growth priorities, which include improving transport connectivity and increasing the skills base to drive economic growth and development.
The announcement has been welcomed by the Prime Minister, Sir Keir Starmer, who visited Doncaster to show his support for the project. During his visit, Starmer emphasised the potential of the airport to drive growth across the North and expressed his delight in backing the mayor's plans. The investment in Doncaster Sheffield Airport is part of the government's Plan for Change, which aims to fuel economic growth and deliver prosperity across the country.
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Heathrow Airport resumes flights following an unprecedented shutdown
Heathrow Airport has resumed flights following an unprecedented shutdown caused by a fire at an electrical substation supplying the airport. The blaze triggered a "significant power outage", resulting in more than 1,000 flights to and from Heathrow being cancelled and causing chaos for thousands of passengers.
The airport was closed until 11:59 pm on Friday, dealing with the incident and ensuring the safety of passengers and staff. Heathrow initially announced that repatriation flights for passengers diverted to other airports in Europe would resume on Friday evening. Several airlines, including British Airways (BA), Air Canada, and United Airlines, restarted their scheduled flights to and from the airport.
While some power has returned to Terminal 4, with lights and lifts operational again, the investigation into the cause of the fire is ongoing. Electrical engineering experts are working to determine the sequence of events leading to the fire and any necessary repairs. The Department for Transport is collaborating closely with Heathrow Airport, Nats (National Air Traffic Services), and key operators to facilitate a swift resolution and minimise further disruptions.
Despite the challenges, Heathrow's chief executive emphasised the airport's rapid recovery from this significant incident and apologised for the inconvenience caused. Airport bosses warned of potential "significant disruption" in the coming days, advising passengers to avoid travelling to the airport until further notice.
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Frequently asked questions
Heathrow Airport was closed until 11:59 pm on March 21, 2025, due to a fire at an electrical substation that caused a significant power outage. The airport has since reopened for some flights, with British Airways, Air Canada, and United Airlines among the airlines restarting scheduled flights.
Doncaster Sheffield Airport (DSA) is expected to reopen for passenger flights in Spring 2026. The airport has been closed since November 2022 due to financial viability issues. The South Yorkshire Mayor has announced a £30 million investment to support its reopening, which is expected to create 5,000 jobs and boost the economy by £5 billion by 2050.
Manston Airport is currently undergoing redevelopment and is planned to reopen in 2028 as a dedicated air freight hub. The UK Government has approved the redevelopment plans, which are expected to boost economic growth, create jobs, and improve resilience in the region.
Yes, there are ongoing efforts to reopen and revitalise airports across the UK. For example, the grassroots campaign to reopen Doncaster Sheffield Airport gained support from the local council and mayor, leading to the announcement of its potential reopening in 2026. Additionally, the UK Government is working to establish sustainable aviation hubs and boost regional growth, as seen with their support for the reopening of Doncaster Sheffield Airport.
