I am flying from Doncaster on the 17 June to Turkey, cant wait its so good having an airport only 45mins away. :clap:

Yipee my mum live in Malaga and now it'll be so much easier for me to get there!!

To get there by public transport it looks like a case of getting to Doncaster and changing. Either train to Doncaster and connect into the shuttle coach, or X78 bus to Doncaster then the 91 bus (which is good value on a Firstday ticket but will probably take ages!)

I've also noticed on the SYPTE website that the X19 Barnsley to Doncaster bus is to be extended to the airport.

I've fed a journey enquiry for Sheffield to Robin Hood Airport into transportdirect.info and the fastest journey by public transport returned was 1 hour 5 minutes:

dep Sheffield station 10:54, arr Doncaster station 11:15 (Virgin Train)

walk from Doncaster station to Doncaster West Street

dep Doncaster West Street 11:35, arr Hayfield Lane, Finningley Airfield 11:59 (Wilfreda Beehive 707 bus)

thought there was a train station at finningley village?

34 miles from sheffield city centre seems quite a distance, i'm sure its much shorter (distance-wise but not necessarily time-wise) if you head for bawtry off the parkway. airport is about a couple of miles north of bawtry

Autoroute gave 33.7 miles for the quickest route.

For the shortest route it gives 24.5 miles.

Does anyone know what freequency's the airport have been allocated for things like Ground, ATIS, Approach, Tower etc?

Will there be a flight path over Sheffield?

Originally posted by Avalon
Does anyone know what freequency's the airport have been allocated for things like Ground, ATIS, Approach, Tower etc?

ATIS 134.9500

APPROACH 126.2250

RADAR 129.0500

TOWER 128.7750

Originally posted by cgksheff
ATIS 134.9500

APPROACH 126.2250

RADAR 129.0500

TOWER 128.7750

Nice one....i'll have to pay a visit when its fully operational! :clap:

This can only be a positive for S'yorkshire,and i'm welcoming it with open arms!!
Me and my bro are flying to Paris for the tour on 21st July just think an internation airport just 30mins away by car....FANTASTIC!!!

John t

Originally posted by 367squadron
Will there be a flight path over Sheffield?

Probably not Squadron.

Looks like traffic will route...

For eastern destinations to the Hull area and out over the N.Sea for SE Europe (Germany, Greece, Bulgaria)

For Southerly destinations there will be a North Westerley heading departure towards Leeds/Wakefield before a left turn southbound over the Peak District and beyond (France, Italy, Malta, Spain)

For Western destinations, again North Westerley heading towards Leeds, before a left turn to Manchester and out over Wales (southbound) over Cardiff, Torquay anf beyond. (Malaga, Portugal, Canaries, Morrocco).

Hope this helps!

Big

that couldn't be better, that means that we get a big airport and none of the noise that comes with it.

Originally posted by bigflesh

For Southerly destinations there will be a North Westerley heading departure towards Leeds/Wakefield before a left turn southbound over the Peak District and beyond (France, Italy, Malta, Spain)

For Western destinations, again North Westerley heading towards Leeds, before a left turn to Manchester and out over Wales (southbound) over Cardiff, Torquay anf beyond. (Malaga, Portugal, Canaries, Morrocco).


Will they be over-flying or under-flying all the eastbound stuff out of Manchester ? It's pretty busy already out here.

Grey, I can imagine Manchester eastbounds are busy - especially over Bradfield. I often see the Emrites or PIA going eastbound ex Manchester from my location.

Ex Doncaster Sheffield traffic will not conflict with Manchester Eastbound departure traffic (outbound it will be further North for starters!) and I am pleased to say, once clear of Doncaster Sheffield's runway, outbound traffic will be handed over to Manchester Air Traffic Control in the initial stages of climb, until London ATC picks up the tab for management of the traffic from about 23,000feet upwards (by then the traffic will be high and out of the area anyway).

I hope im wrong but i think its too close to Manchester airport for it to ever be a major success. All i ever see Doncaster as been is a local regional airport, with your once a week charter flights to the Med and low cost no frills flights. I dont expect to ever see long haul sheduled flights leaving Doncaster. We may get the odd long haul charter flight to say Orlando, but then again i thinks its neally 65% ( dont quote me i could be wrong im sure i read that figure somewhere ) of South Yorkshires long haul travellers already fly out of Manchester, so why would an airline move away from MAN to use DSA.

Originally posted by bigflesh

For Southerly destinations there will be a North Westerley heading departure towards Leeds/Wakefield before a left turn southbound over the Peak District and beyond (France, Italy, Malta, Spain)

For Western destinations, again North Westerley heading towards Leeds, before a left turn to Manchester and out over Wales (southbound) over Cardiff, Torquay anf beyond. (Malaga, Portugal, Canaries, Morrocco).

Where do you get this info'...... after departure i thought aircraft would be changing to Donc'/Finningley radar frequency....currently only the tower is operational + ATIS.

Rob. I think that it could be a sucess because for everyone in this area and over towards Hull, there is no major airport that is easy and quick to get to. For example, even though Manchester is bigger and has more long haul destinations, as well as it being less than 60 miles away, there is no quick way of getting there and this is a serious problem for businesses within this area.
However I can see where you are coming from and that the airport will develop into what teeside is in the North East, however there is a lot of space for improvements in the future.

What kind of size is the new airport, is it comparable to Leeds Bradford?

Does anyone have any pics of the new terminal at Robin Hood, seen a few small pics of it and it looks really cool.

The reason i dont think it will ever be no more than a local regional airport, like i said before its too close to Manchester and its catchment area. I would guess most airlines are happy to have people travel for 1-2 hrs over to Manchester than spend money in opening a new base at Doncaster. There would need to be a huge surge in demand for flights for it to be another Manchester, and i dont see the demand been there for another major international airport up here. I would love to see in 10 years time Doncaster doing 100's of daily flights worldwide as that would be great for the South Yorkshire economy, i hope im wrong but i think thats ever going to happen. Once a week charter flights to sunny Spain Turkey Greece ect and the odd low cost carrier thats all Doncaster will ever be used for. It will just be another Leeds Bradford or Humberside. Yes its great we have a new airport but lets not all get too excited about it for the vast majority of us Manchester will still be our main airport for years to come.

I do see Doncaster in having a future with air cargo flights plenty of space and a 9000ft runway to accept 747 & A380 cargo flights.

Originally posted by robS35
I do see Doncaster in having a future with air cargo flights plenty of space and a huge runway to accept 747 & A380 cargo flights.

Plus good rail links and ports close by to support that.

You do raise some very good points. Humberside hasn't become the Manchester Airport of the East. Is it because the road links are poor or the lack of carriers wiling to commit to the airport, so the fact it's too remote?

Finningley has a poor road connection at present, but a couple of good airlines. The only worry is that by the time the road link is built to accomodate the millions of flyers, will the airlines have pulled out, just like KLM did with Sheffield?

Meanwhile, Manchester is widening the M60 ring road near to the airport to at least four lanes each way and is due for completion very shortly - they've really pulled out the stops to complete it as soon as possible.

Does anyone know whether Sheffield is closer to Finningley in relation to Nottingham and East Midlands?

Does anyone know whether Sheffield is closer to Finningley in relation to Nottingham and East Midlands?

Finningly: 25 miles
Nottingham Airport: 40 miles
East Midlands Airport: 45 miles

Sheffield is closer to Finningly than Nottingham / East Midlands

Another point Manchester's passenger number are around 19 million per year and flys to 170 destinations, compared to Doncaster which has a current max capacity of 2.3 million passengers per year. Which i think it will get nowhere near that even if it starts to steal passengers away from Humberside. Humberside at 500,000 and Leeds Bradford at just over 2 million passengers, by 2030 Humberside expects to be up to 1.6 million, but i think Doncaster will be there main rival. Leeds Bradford is forcast to grow to around 7 million passengers. Now compare that to Manchester which is the only UK airport apart from Heathrow to have 2 full length runways already has existing planning to expand to take 30 million passengers per year, with further approvals to expand up to 45 million passengers.

Thats another reason why i see Doncaster as just another northern regional airport.

Originally posted by robS35
i see Doncaster as just another northern regional airport.

I fully see where you are coming from and I do think that there arent nearly that amount of people that want to fly to the same destinations that are offered at the moment. However, I cant see the airport being a good thing for Humberside as I think that it will cripple it. However, I can see it being bigger than LB as long as there are some more airlines that will fly from there.

I will never expect it to be compared to the likes of Manchester and Heathrow, although I do think that it is the kind of airport that can grow into one of the bigger airports in the country but only time will tell if this will be true. However I think that after the novelty of having an airport like this has died away i think that the number of passengers will decline.

One other reason that I agree with you that it will never become a hub is because sheffield is not a city that is filled with really important businessmen/women as it is not big enough and everyone knows that the most common air traveller is the businessman / businesswoman. If this were the case, then there would be flights to cities like New York already sheduled, that is not to say that there wont be.

Still, having a regional airport is definatly better than having to travel 45mins+ to get to east mids on what is oficially britains worst stretch of road, and it will bring a much larger international awareness of the area, and that is good for tourism. Now if we could just get rid of the chavs, we'd all be happy and have a much better looking ciity

Im not knocking the new airport, i think it is a good thing for South Yorkshire to have a ' real airport ' after the joke that was Sheffield. The topic of this airport came up at work the other day all everyone was saying how they will all suddenly be able to fly from Doncaster. My whole point was that people need to be realistic about this new airport, like i said before the vast majority of us will still be useing Manchester for years to come and always will.

Its one thing having a nice new shiny airport it's another trying to get airlines to base aircraft at it.

I dont see both Humberside and Doncaster surviving as i cant see that there would be enough passengers in the catchment areas of North Lincolnshire and East Riding to keep both running, and personally i see Doncaster as having a much better chance of survival.

Did some aerial filming of low approach and go around yesterday at Finningley. It looks fantastic, and very helpful ATC.
There should be NO flight path over Sheffield, but Worksop may see quite a bit of aerial traffic. (There'll be an increase already as many aircraft are using Donc'/Finningley for instrument approaches).

those are lucky guys in worksop. LOL, they now get the chance for a little taste of the noise in a city. lol

Not long now, 11 days to go!!!

Hi gang,

I am sure it will not be long before Sheffield's transport link to "our new shared airport with Doncaster" will be launched.....in the meantime, for those of us without wheels will settle for train/bus (707)...

'Airport Arrow' - the dedicated shuttle bus link between Doncaster Rail Station and Robin Hood Airport Doncaster Sheffield, has been launched today in anticipation of commencement of operations on Monday April 18th.

Funded by Robin Hood Airport, the ‘Airport Arrow’ (service number 707) is operated by Wilfreda Beehive on the airport’s behalf and runs hourly, seven days a week.

With a journey time of approximately 25 minutes, the service runs from Doncaster West Street, adjacent to Doncaster Rail Station from 5.35am to 22.35pm Monday to Saturday and 8.35am to 17.53pm on Sunday¹, making stops at The Dome and Parrots Corner (adjacent to the Hare & Tortoise pub) en route to the airport.

Fares start from £3.50 for a single adult ticket and £2.00 for a single child².

Full details of timetables and fares can be found in the ‘Airport Arrow’ guide available in five languages from the airport, Doncaster Rail Station and other local information points.

The service uses a brand new state-of-the-art ‘Tempo’ vehicle, built in Leeds by transport export Optare to the airport’s high specification, with 32 seats, additional standing area and full disabled access. Special features include air conditioning, round the clock onboard CCTV monitoring and an integral multi media system allowing onboard TV screens to link up to flight arrival and departure updates and airport news.

To aid with easy recognition, the Airport Arrow has been wrapped in the airport’s distinctive white and green logo, a specialist process carried out by Rotherham-based P&N Corporate Media Ltd. It has its own dedicated bus stop at Doncaster Railway Station, which is clearly signposted from the station concourse.

The ‘Airport Arrow’ service is complemented by Service 91 (operated by First South Yorkshire) which will run from Doncaster South Bus Station every 20-30 minutes Monday to Saturday and starts on 25 April 2005, stopping at Cantley, Branton and Auckley en route to the terminal building.

Three additional services will run from the South Bus Station to Hayfield Lane, Finningley - a short walk from the airport. Service 191 (Mass) will run a daytime service every 15 to 30 minutes, Service 191 (Yorkshire Traction) will run an hourly evening service and Service 191 (First) will operate an hourly service on Sundays.

---o---

Also unveiled today was one of the airport’s 30 strong fleet of ‘Little Arrow’ branded cabs, which will operate from a dedicated rank outside the terminal building. Pre-bookable via the airport, the cabs are being operated by North Nottinghamshire firm, Sky Cabs and boast uniformed drivers trained to be able to offer ‘the knowledge’ on local tourist information, hotels and restaurants for inbound passengers.

As he unveiled the ‘Airport Arrow’ and ‘Little Arrow’ cabs, David Ryall, Managing Director, Robin Hood Airport said:

“With just two weeks to go until the first flight leaves the airport, it’s with great excitement that we are now able to reveal all of the final details, like the impressive ‘Airport Arrow’ bus and ‘Little Arrow’ taxi service which provide reliable and extremely high quality links to and from the airport.”

Peter Nears, Strategic Planning Director for Peel Holdings who has been involved with the airport development from the very beginning added:

“The ‘Airport Arrow’ is an important part of the delivery of public transport accessibility to the Airport. The service has been purpose designed to co-ordinate with the planned Bawtry Quality Bus Corridor. The Corridor was part of the consideration of the public transport linkages at the Public Inquiry and we very much look forward to seeing it extended to the Airport”.

Some excellent news for Summer 2006.... especially long haul....

Thomson’s Summer 2006 brochures launch on Thursday, 28th April, with new regional flights for both short haul and long haul departures.

Thomsonfly (previously Britannia Airways) will now be offering a range of new destinations from key regional airports.
The new airport for 2005, Robin Hood Doncaster Sheffield has also added Bulgaria, Croatia, Cancun, Turkey, Dominican Republic, Florida and Zakynthos to its departures in 2006.

Schedule for flights on Opening Day - 28th April 2005 (Spanish, Portugese and Irish Day)

09:15 Departure to Palma, Thomsonfly Boeing 737
10:35 Departure to Faro, Thomsonfly Boeing 737
12:55 Arrival from Dublin, Ryanair Boeing 737
13:20 Departure to Dublin, Ryanair Boeing 737
15:05 Arrival from Palma, Thomsonfly Boeing 737
15:35 Departure to Alicante, Thomsonfly Boeing 737
17:25 Arrival from Faro, Thomsonfly Boeing 737
18:00 Departure to Malaga, Thomsonfly Boeing 737
21:55 Arrival from Alicante, Thomsonfly Boeing 737

Gracias I will repost nearer the time, also!

I just hope that the Airport stays popular. As with anything else Peel Holdings (http://www.peelholdings.co.uk) get their grubby hands on, as soon as its shows signs of making a loss it will get binned quicker than a takeaway bag.

Originally posted by Hadron
I just hope that the Airport stays popular as with anything else Peel Holdings get their grubby hands on, as soon as its shows signs of making a loss it will get binned quicker than a takeaway bag.

dunno mate, but dont peel holdings own the trafford centre aswell??

Glad to see they are lauching long haul flights next year.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/south_yorkshire/4471209.stm

Originally posted by 1Man&hisBMW
dunno mate, but dont peel holdings own the trafford centre aswell??

Yep, as well as acres of land in Manchester, Salford, Liverpool docks and the Manchester Ship Canal.

Peel are despised over here, particular near me where they are planning to build a racecourse and turn a piece of private woodland - which is a very safe nature reserve - into a public park.

The fact that Haydock is only ten minutes down the road and a second racecourse just isn't needed means nothing to them.

The new long haul flights to Florida and Mexico kick the **** out of Leeds Bradford airport! :clap:

Relax Travel
Independant Travel agent

Tel 0114 2490124

(I will post new telephone number when we move)

I can get anyone quotes for holidays out of this or any airport

Read an article on sheffieldtoday.co.uk that said it was really difficult to find by car...... that there are a lack of road signs and most people get lost....

Has anyone driven to the airport yet themselves who can comment on this?

I'm not going until June, so hopefully the signs wil be up by then......hopefully!

Originally posted by LoopyLou
Read an article on sheffieldtoday.co.uk that said it was really difficult to find by car...... that there are a lack of road signs and most people get lost....

Article here (http://www.sheffieldtoday.net/ViewArticle2.aspx?SectionID=58&ArticleID=1007207) .

I am quite happy about this airport thing...cos it will save so much time. I'm originally for Paris you see and before I had to go either to Liverpool or London to take a flight back home. Now no more trains and less stress!!!

Good for Yorkshire as well, hopefully people will go more abroad and that could be only an advantage for them!!!

I think the article was taking the **** a bit - if the guy had known how to read a map he would have been able to find the airport easily enough.

Unless anybody is going there at buys periods - morning or evening rush hour in Doncaster lasts for all of half an hour - I would have thought they'd do it in 40 mins max from Sheffield centre.

Typical, I do three main flights - to Brussels, Amsterdam and to Luxembourg, and the airport doesn't serve any of them, so I shall still be going to Manchester. I was really hoping I might get some of those nice cheap flights or at least an easier journey!

Originally posted by LoopyLou
Read an article on sheffieldtoday.co.uk that said it was really difficult to find by car...... that there are a lack of road signs and most people get lost....


There have been quite a few people turn up to Sheffield City Airport asking where they catch their flight to Spain! Expect more once Doncaster opens on Thursday!

Not long to go now gang! Less than 24 hours for the 1st Commercial flight!!!

Whats the quickest way to Doncaster Sheffield Airport? Not signposted!!

Originally posted by smooth
Whats the quickest way to Doncaster Sheffield Airport? Not signposted!!


A starting point might give us a clue on how to help you find it ;)

Originally posted by smooth
Whats the quickest way to Doncaster Sheffield Airport? Not signposted!!

Here's the finishing point.

http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?q=Doncaster+Airport&spn=0.083374,0.113429&hl=en

Just click the To Here link.

From Sheffield, it seems you have to go through Doncaster. Which could be a bit gruesome.

Following web pages have useful 'how to get there' information:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/southyorkshire/i_love_sy/finningley/index.shtml
http://www.robinhoodairport.com/section.php?s=23&PHPSESSID=be2372749199b87f3d7c99b4054aab0e

It's made the BBC radio news this morning.

There's also a discussion on Jeremy Vine (R2 12 noon) today about it.

I won't be using the DCA and not because I'm fed up with chauvinistic Donnians going on about how it's their airport, end of Sheffield's regional status etc etc. Let's face it this airport's success will depend on whether the residents of the Sheffield conurbation choose to use it or not.

And if it's difficult to get to by public transport then I see no advantage in it. Manchester has rail links and I can be there in an hour or so without having to pay parking fees. East Mids comes second with its coach links and then Leeds/Bradford.

Besides which I've never understood all the fuss about having an airport right next to you. So good luck to you Donny but be nice to us Sheffielders cos we have PLENTY of alternatives.

It's Doncastrians by the way (or even Danensians if you're a pedant). Isn't it DSA too?

Anyway, instead of moaning about it we need to start the campaign to get a proper rail link to Sheffield. The success of Manchester has proved how important that is. Fast trains to Donny currently take 20 mins and there is already a railway line next to the airport (the line to Lincoln I think?) but no station. Although it's been mentioned here and there as a vague possibility, there are no definite plans for a rail link. But imagine an airport express train service from a dedicated platform at Sheff swishing through to Donny airport in 25-30 mins 24 hrs a day. How good would that be? Let's not pretend that the train ride to Mcr airport is a bed of roses either.

Come on South Yorks Region (Sheffield City-Region if you prefer), let's get behind our airport and make it work. It's a fantastic amenity and it will succeed. While we're at it, renationalise the railways and reregulate the buses.

I'm quite angry to see that it didn't get a mention on the BBC Six O'Clock News. I'm just watching the ITV news now as it hasn't had a mention in the headlines.

Yet they can waste a good five minutes reporting on Michael Jackson and how Rover cars are lying waste on a disused airfield. The rest of the news was political.

I assume it had top billing on regional news?

Please make your complaint known to the BBC at:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/complaints/make_complaint.shtml

It got 18 seconds on the ITV news - despite it being the only airport in the UK other than Heathrow that can handle the new Airbus A380.

being a daytime telly bum i am!!! it was on this afternoons itv news and had quite a bit of time,, only problem was sheffield was not mentioned at all and it was referred to as doncaster airport

touchdown....

http://www.jetphotos.net/viewphoto.php?id=462403

Big

Originally posted by savbaby
being a daytime telly bum i am!!! it was on this afternoons itv news and had quite a bit of time,, only problem was sheffield was not mentioned at all and it was referred to as doncaster airport Well the airport is in Doncaster, near Doncaster and is called Doncaster, what do you expect ?
when I mention the airport I call it DONCASTER, not sheffield Airport.

The thing that should be looked at is why the company (Peel Holdings) didn't try to do anything with OUR airport and how could donny council give them permission for the new one when they've seen the state of the old one.

Originally posted by Captain_Scarlet
Well the airport is in Doncaster, near Doncaster and is called Doncaster, what do you expect ?
when I mention the airport I call it DONCASTER, not sheffield Airport.

I thought it was supposed to be called 'Robin Hood Airport' ?

Why they didn't call it something sensible like South Yorks Regional Airport beats me, - most people seem to have a little snigger about Robin Hood :P

I doubt that until it has decent rail and motorway links it will be anything but a convenient (for some) airstrip for charter flights. Meanwhile the govt. are proposing to spend heaven knows how many millions on extending Standstead !!?

Originally posted by Greybeard
I thought it was supposed to be called 'Robin Hood Airport' ?

Why they didn't call it something sensible like South Yorks Regional Airport beats me, - most people seem to have a little snigger about Robin Hood :P

I doubt that until it has decent rail and motorway links it will be anything but a convenient (for some) airstrip for charter flights. Meanwhile the govt. are proposing to spend heaven knows how many millions on extending Stanstead !!?
Yeah... Sheffield - Doncaster - Robin Hood - Deff Leppard - Michael Palin - Joe Cocker - Henderson's Relish - Internaitonal Arena Airport ?
Or is that beeing pedantic and taking the michael ?

Originally posted by Captain_Scarlet
Yeah... Sheffield - Doncaster - Robin Hood - Deff Leppard - Michael Palin - Joe Cocker - Henderson's Relish - Internaitonal Arena Airport ?
Or is that beeing pedantic and taking the michael ?

only slightly:P

liverpool got it right calling theirs john lennon it could have been worse i guess they could have called it barry grant or jimmy tarbuck or even ken dodd:loopy:

Originally posted by Captain_Scarlet
Well the airport is in Doncaster, near Doncaster and is called Doncaster, what do you expect ?
when I mention the airport I call it DONCASTER, not sheffield Airport.

I flew back from Dublin today where the signs confusing describe the new airport as just "DSA" and their announcers called it "DSA" or "Doncaster"

No mention of either Robin Hood or Sheffield.

The onboard announcements by Ryanair only referred to Doncaster.

Incidentally when I flew back, the new airport bus link to Doncaster station was ridiculously expensive - £3.50

And the taxi guys quoted £35 to Sheffield.

Originally posted by Captain_Scarlet
Well the airport is in Doncaster, near Doncaster and is called Doncaster, what do you expect ?
when I mention the airport I call it DONCASTER, not sheffield Airport.

well i do not really know much about where this airport is and if you read to thread name it is "Doncaster Sheffield Airport Opens on 28th April." and as most people are referring to it as Doncaster and sheffield airport i assumed it was to do with both! and as for the airport being called Doncaster airport its actually called Robin Hood airport

This thread is intended to not have anything about the name of the airport as that was done to death in a previous thread.
Originally posted by bigflesh
I don't want this thread to be about the name of "our" new airport (shared with Doncaster & the rest of South Yorkshire), but simply to restart the convo regarding the airport

Today I found myself near the new airport so I went to have a look around and take some pictures. And I am particularly interested in how far away it is from home and how long it takes to get there.

DSA - Woodseats 32 miles
Journey time 1 hour.

Interesting to note that it took half an hour (half the journey duration) from the airport to the junction M18 J3. Because you get sent around doncaster race course as there is no direct route. It is especially annoying to get through the doncaster traffic for 20 minutes only to find yourself over the bridge above the M18 just around the corner from the airport.

But still, as I suspected it is by far the most convenient airport for sheffield.

The car parking is massive and there were many more spectators than people actually flying. The place still smells of paint, and the main shop with newspapers etc, isn't yet open.
But it looks great and I can't wait to fly from there later this year.

For anyone who's intrested here are my pictures (http://www.borracho.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk/airport/)

Muddycoffee.

Thanks for the pictures and the tip about the newsagents. I fly from there on Saturday and perhaps would have relied on the shop for my reading material. I'll take it with me now.
hazel

Hazel, glad to be of service.
I would have thought that there will be some more shops on the otherside of passport control, hopefully you may be able to update us when you get back. As to how many are open etc..
Have a great holiday

---------------------------------------
To anyone who is driving to the new airport, leave plenty of time and don't break the speed limit because there is a small van hidden with a gatso camera in the side, on one of the roads near the airport.
After leaving the M18 motorway and progressing through the route through {last 15 mins some very nice} parts of Doncaster most of the roads are fast and have speed limits of 60 or 70, but it drops suddenly to 40.

Pity it only seems to cater for cheap holiday places. How about domestic - inland? I need to get to Glasgow and Inverness sometimes.... How about Heathrow..etc?

Originally posted by Aaarrrggghhh
Pity it only seems to cater for cheap holiday places. I need to get to Glasgow and Inverness sometimes
Right Aaarrrggghhh, presuming that you would spend 1 hour driving to the new airport, you would have to wait 2 hours after check in, then the flight, 1 hour? so you are talking 4 hours to fly if there was an available service.

Whereas if you go on the train to glasgow it's 4 hours and 40 minutes. Plus however long it takes you to get to sheffield station. In my opinion it would be far more convenient to go on the train, with far better legroom and walking about etc..

Inverness on the train is 7h, 41 mins so you would be justified going by air.

Heathrow ? you can get to st pancras in 2h 20m, then you can get to heathrow on the tube. Which would be much quicker than flying there.

Oh yeah I forgot that it was Bristol to Glasgi last time when I lived in Somerset... and there's Stornoway with the Highlands and Islands Airways and talk of revamping the Broadford strip on Skye.

cheers

Hi, Does anybody know of any plans for privately operated off-airport parking near DSA? I was in touch with a guy by the name of Jon Farman some time ago; he was apparently setting up a parking service under the name of "Carport UK Ltd." I e-mailed him recently, but no reply. The quote for 2 weeks June_July was £47.50 as against £72 on airport (was it too good to be true?). I'd be grateful for any info, TIA

Prestonpal that's a great idea. The current parking arrangements are much more expensive than other airports which have decent parking away from the terminal. Presuming the airport lives up to it's promise, and currently they seem to be way ahead of forecasts, I'm sure it will only be a matter of time, before some off site parking is introduced.

Muddycoffee Yes it's amazing how much can be saved by parking off airport - I just paid less than 30 quid for 8 days with aph at Brum. I will try e-mailing this guy again I'm travelling from DSA at the end of June, so perhaps it may be a bit optimistic to hope that some enterprising person might have something up & running by then?

I paid £42 for car parking at Nottingham east midlands airport for 8 days in march, but they seem to own all the carparks adjacent to the airport.
When I have flown from Manchester, there are loads of off airport carparks, and some are really cheap. And some are 20 minutes coach drive away too.

yes, they seem to have it pretty well sewn up at EMA (Nottingham? I think not!), as I recall, even the off airport parking is not too cheap. I tend to use Brum, although it is about an hour away as opposed to about 35 minutes for EMA. The flight availability is very good and the aph parking is convenient just off M42. I think DSA will be about the same as Brum from here (Alfreton, Derbys.) so if reasonably priced parking becomes available, it will be a very good alternative. I know it's early days yet, but I think that this kind of facility will make DSA a very attractive proposition, so come on you land-rich entrepreneurs!:idea:

the car park at DSA is huge! 2500 spaces, so that in itself is proof that peel are forecasting high volumes of passengers (wether more medium term we shall see). But yes I agree, all it needs is a farmer with a large enough field and a few thousand tonnes of hardcore to make a killing (just not sure if demand would be there "just" yet)

£72 seems to be the standard offer for online booking for 15 days parking 27 June - 12 July across alll the sites I have tried - anyone know of anything less?

Robin Hood Doncaster Sheffield Airport.
Whats in a name, what are peoples opinion of a name for an airport that is so long that it can not be said without shortening it to various words.
People associate Robin Hood with Nottingham and the Sheriff.
Even the signs around Doncaster are signed Robin Hood Airport and not the full title.
Certain Star reporters have given it various names.
Even the National papers do not give it the full title always shortening it to something else
Thompson in its brochure does not or did not call it "Robin Hood Doncaster Sheffield Airport"as the place to fly from.
I woulds like to start a poll:
1: If asked do you know where Robin Hood comes from
Yes / No
2: If asked do you know where Doncaster is Yes / No

I will not even start to tell you about the road infrastructure that has not....................... no I,m not going there.
It will be interesting to see the replies and the various opinions that come back
Regards
Tony

Couldn't see the problem with "Doncaster Airport" but that would be far too difficult(!)

Originally posted by scubatony61

People associate Robin Hood with Nottingham and the Sheriff.
Hmm, Robin Hood is always described as Robin of Loxley and Robin of sherwood but never Robin of Nottingham. Loxley is a district of sheffield, and Sherwood forest in those times was a vast area which spanned south yorkshire, nottinghamshire and derbyshire. It's true that nottingham town have always made a big thing about Robin, but only because they have tried to steal him as a brand.
Little john's grave is in hathersage and Loxley have a stag in their emblem, for over a century which represents robin hood.

The symbol for the airport is DSA, which stands for Doncaster Sheffield Airport. Eventually I think people will call it that or even Doncaster. Manchester was originally ringway, but they rebranded it to manchester..

Most of the people who cause a fuss over the name I have heard, are people from rotherham who feel jelous that sheffield has laid claim to the airport which is closer to rotherham

If we have 'East Midlands' airport, why wasn't it just named 'South Yorkshire' airport instead of the convoluted 'Must keep everybody and his dog and his next door neighbour and the second cousin twice removed happy' name that it wound up with?

Originally posted by muddycoffee
The symbol for the airport is DSA, which stands for Doncaster Sheffield Airport. Eventually I think people will call it that or even Doncaster. Manchester was originally ringway, but they rebranded it to manchester..

Don't get me started on Speke Airport........

Originally posted by Strix
If we have 'East Midlands' airport, why wasn't it just named 'South Yorkshire'
We did have,
East midlands is now called Nottingham East Midlands Airport.
Standstead is now called London standstead, but is nowhere near London.
Gatwick is London Gatwick, I've worked there, its 20 miles south of london.

The best laugh I have had is visiting the webpages of Leeds Bradford airport. Leeds people who always see sheffield as country cousins and inferior to themselves, have their airport advertised with the strapline "yorkshire's premier airport"

Not for long Leeds.

In 2 years It looks Like DSA will overtake leeds with passenger numbers and push it into second place. DSA already has more destinations than Leeds Bradford. hee hee..

Originally posted by muddycoffee
Hmm, Robin Hood is always described as Robin of Loxley and Robin of sherwood but never Robin of Nottingham. Loxley is a district of sheffield, and Sherwood forest in those times was a vast area which spanned south yorkshire, nottinghamshire and derbyshire. It's true that nottingham town have always made a big thing about Robin, but only because they have tried to steal him as a brand.
Little john's grave is in hathersage and Loxley have a stag in their emblem, for over a century which represents robin hood.

Nottingham city, not town.
Sherwood forest is in Nottinghamshire.
Little John's grave, Hathersage, Derbyshire - surprised you've been taken in by this hoax muddycoffe.
Robin Hood and Maid Marion reputed to have been married at Edwinstowe, Nottinghamshire (see church notice board).
Robin of Loxley - only connection with Yorkshire so far.
And...haven't you forgotten the Sheriff of Nottingham and Nottingham castle (all part of the Robin Hood fable).

Also, Adventures of Robin Hood (tourist attraction) - located in Nottingham city.

As for Robin Hood Airport. Good gimmick. Most people seem to be calling it Doncaster-Sheffield airport though.

Note: scubatony61 - there is a facility for starting a poll. You need to use this - as you can't conduct a poll via posts.

Originally posted by redrobbo

Little John's grave, Hathersage, Derbyshire - surprised you've been taken in by this hoax muddycoffe.
Well the whole robin hood thing is at best thought to be an amalgam of various highwaymen anyhow. There are lots of things in yorkshire related to robin hood,
Robin hoods bay, Kirklees priory, where his grave is and the gatehouse where he died. Wakefield claim he was born there. There is a robin hood hamlet and lots of other places
Originally posted by redrobbo
Sherwood forest is in Nottinghamshire.
It is now, most of the country's forests were reduced, to a fraction of their former size on the orders of Henry VIII who built the all conquering British naval fleet

Robin Hood Airport,it should have been called South Yorkshire or Doncaster Airport but the people of the Doncaster area didn't have any say in the matter.
We will have to wait for Doncaster council to decide the route for the link roads and I am sorry to say speed is not a word which is used in the council chamber,they will have to go on a fact finding mission to somewhere exotic to collate the required information.

lets settle it and call it Rovvrem' International

I once read somewhere that Graves Park is the most northerly surviving part of Sherwood Forest.

Calling it DONCASTER AIRPORT is the way forward ...

Then put to the ground all the rubbish around SHEFFIELD AIRPORT and make it bigger so we don't have to go on't Parkway then M18 all the way to Dony ...

Originally posted by chris280
Robin Hood Airport,it should have been called South Yorkshire or Doncaster Airport
Doncaster Airport is the land they filled with a lake, Asda and the Dome, so that could be confusing :suspect:

This NOTAM (Notice to Airmen) (& women, I guess!!) was published today:


NOT FOR OPERATIONAL USE

** NEW ** C1973/05 (AGA) Saturday, 14 May 11:00 to Tuesday, 31 May 2005 18:00

Aerodrome closed.



referring to Doncaster Sheffield Airport.

Anyone know what this is about?

Originally posted by muddycoffee

Most of the people who cause a fuss over the name I have heard, are people from rotherham who feel jelous that sheffield has laid claim to the airport which is closer to rotherham
I am neither I originally lived in Doncaster and now lived and work in Sheffield, so I can see it from both camps

Originally posted by redrobbo
Note: scubatony61 - there is a facility for starting a poll. You need to use this - as you can't conduct a poll via posts.
Sorry about that admin paople, but I seem to have stirred a hornets nest and something will rumble on
Notwithstanding the original Doncaster Airport which has now been built over, Lakeside,Dome, Asda etc
So back to the beginning for the poll
Question is:- Would all you people out there prefer the name Doncaster Airport or keep the the one that it is presently called
Robin Hood Doncaster Sheffield Airport
Answering Yes to Call it Doncaster Airport
Answering No to keep calling it Robin Hood Doncaster Sheffield Airport

My answer is Yes
I wonder why
Regards
Tony

Its Finningly to me , always has been and always will be ..... by the time youve said the title/place of where ya going to the taxi driver, youve probably missed your flight! :o

There should at least have been one alternative option, i.e., 'called something else'.

I think it should be called Sheffield-Doncaster airport, or better still, just Sheffield airport.

I have not voted in the circumstances.

Aye to Finningley

Originally posted by Don_Kiddick
Aye to Finningley

Ditto!

Originally posted by redrobbo
There should at least have been one alternative option, i.e., 'called something else'..

Like Liverpool airport which is named after someone famous who lived locally,(John Lennon). Why don't we do the same with Doncaster airport. How about Lesley Garratt International Airport:D

nbj

It's Speke airport, john. No matter how often they re-name the berluddy thing :mad: (Pandering to American berluddy tourists...rant...rant)

And Finningley should be called South Yorkshire Airport so nobody gets arsey, and it states where it is adequately.

If it had to incorporate something famous from the locality, why wasn't 'Ledger' used? Or, erm..... erm.... What else is Doncaster/South Yorks famous for?

Originally posted by Lostrider
I once read somewhere that Graves Park is the most northerly surviving part of Sherwood Forest.
This doesn't surprise me at all, but you must remember that "forest" is a loose term, which does not neccesarily mean heavily wooded. Forests have areas of moorland, bracken, crags etc..
What is funny is "South yorkshire forest", if you are on Bochum parkway, there is a sign which used to have a couple of saplings next to it. Although now it has quite a lot of trees there.

Always should have been FINNINGLEY airport, not this god-awful mouthful of a name they have given it...


Ady

Originally posted by Strix

If it had to incorporate something famous from the locality, why wasn't 'Ledger' used? Or, erm..... erm.... What else is Doncaster/South Yorks famous for?

In a word: railways.

Famous engines such as Flying Scotsman were built there. THAT is what Doncaster is famous for. That and it used to have an RAF base nearby that had airshows....


Ady

Originally posted by steel_ady
In a word: railways.

Famous engines such as Flying Scotsman were built there.

Cool!!!!

How confusing would 'Doncaster Flying Scotsman Airport' be? :hihi:

I think you're all being a bit unfair - it shouldn't be called Doncaster-Sheffield Airport or South Yorkshire Airport, the people of Donny have a right to feel proud of their town and not want to be pandering after the nearest city to them.

EDIT: Sorry RR - just noticed it was you that I had a go at there... you know I still love ya though...

Robin Hood Doncaster Sheffield Airport

anything is better than that!

South yorkshire international sound ok.

Hi

I successfuly travelled to Jersey and back from Doncaster airport.
Arrived at the airport to fly out at 6am to be told that the plane had 81 seats and there were 95 people booked on it and 2 hrs delay. So would we take £100, a free breakfast and travell to Leeds bradford airport to fly from there. Not a bad offer.

Nice airport, friendly staff, spent the extra time in the bar until boarding, no hassle.
Pretty stricked about searching people, even i was patted down and theres no way I look like a terrorist. and a friend had his hand luggage searched both ways.
Nice airport.
hazel

Whats a terrorist look like????????

Sorry about this but this cannot be left unsaid

wIf it had to incorporate something famous from the locality, why wasn't 'Ledger' used? Or, erm..... erm.... What else is Doncaster/South Yorks famous for?

Right lets go
Doncaster Butterscotch
International Harvester Tractors now Case now something else
Ford Motor Company since gone
Darfen fencing
Plant Works
DFS started at Carcroft
Not that its a proud boast but there are seven custodial establishments around Doncaster
Peglers make taps etc
Miller Brothers started in Doncaster
Kevin Keegan I know that is not a product in the sense of the word but........
There are numerous others, I should know I used to live there, I am sure other people will come up with some more
Regards
Tony

I know he no longer does the act, and that he's actually from Manchester, but as I have suggested elsewhere on the forum

John Shuttleworth International Airport

Not like me,
Come to think of it I wouldn't mind looking like a terrorist. ! They probabley thought I'd had a senior moment and carrried a package for some-one else or just searched every 5th person.
hazel

It looks like that "Doncaster Airport Parkway" won't be happening for a while. Just noticed this story on a railway website ...

http://www.railwaymovements.myby.co.uk/

Click on the Latest News and it is in there.


Personally it would be great to have a parkway near the M18, but obviously this is too clever ... :roll:

Edit: Note the words Robin, Hood and Sheffield aren't mentioned ;)

Me and me old mate feargal flew from Donny to Dublin the other day. It's really nice and new, and loads of room for expansion.

Originally posted by BoroughGal
Me and me old mate feargal flew from Donny to Dublin the other day. It's really nice and new, and loads of room for expansion.

It smells all nice and clean, and the marble floors are still very shiny. And you can park right outside - great!

It smelt of trumps when you'd been in.

Shhh, don't tell everyone. Anyway, makes a change from everyone thinking its you!

Do you think we should warn people about inadvertantly taking tiny weeny nail scissors in carry-on luggage, then having the security fella explaining (and miming in demonstration) just how easy it is to stab someone in the eye? Maybe not - don't want to worry anyone.

Originally posted by BoroughGal
Me and me old mate feargal flew from Donny to Dublin the other day. It's really nice and new, and loads of room for expansion.

Did you notice a long delay when you were checking in at Donny airport?

Nah, not a long delay, although like feargal says, they did go to great lengths to search the bags and tell us -for what seemed like hours- what a serious risk a pair of nail scissors can be (like we don't already know this!)

Overall I thought it was ace there.

Originally posted by feargal
Do you think we should warn people about inadvertantly taking tiny weeny nail scissors in carry-on luggage, then having the security fella explaining (and miming in demonstration) just how easy it is to stab someone in the eye? Maybe not - don't want to worry anyone.

This is something I would never have thought of!! Stabbing someone in the eye with nail scissors? Do you think they realize they're giving people ideas?

They do the same in the states. I don't mind security much. The lines move pretty quickly. The only part I don't like is being forced to remove shoes and walk across the filthy airport floors in my socks or nylons!

:) Sierra

My last airport visit comming from west indies i was asked to take off my shoes, they were open toed sandles open on the side too, no nylons on, just the flip flop type.

Originally posted by poppins
My last airport visit comming from west indies i was asked to take off my shoes, they were open toed sandles open on the side too, no nylons on, just the flip flop type.

I hear ya poppins.

Coming home from Mexico, I had on huaraches. You know, those loosely woven leather sandals, and they made me take them off, and shake them out.

Again, the floor is always so dirty!

:) Sierra

Originally posted by prestonspal
Hi, Does anybody know of any plans for privately operated off-airport parking near DSA? I was in touch with a guy by the name of Jon Farman some time ago; he was apparently setting up a parking service under the name of "Carport UK Ltd." I e-mailed him recently, but no reply. The quote for 2 weeks June_July was £47.50 as against £72 on airport (was it too good to be true?). I'd be grateful for any info, TIA

Prestonspal asked about off airport parking at DSA, and after just one month of operation, the first is opening soon :-
Info about cheaper off airport parking (http://www.carportuk.com/Home_1.htm)

Also new signage has been agreed with the highways agency, and will be up very soon.

Also Bigflesh and Muddycoffee have been collaborating to provide an information website and "pictures from", all about the new airport :-

Pics and Stuff at DSA Airport (http://www.borracho.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk/airport/)

I have a photo of a low approach and go around RWY 20 Doncaster / Finningley. The qual' is not brilliant as it is just one frame of a camcorder recording. (should be about the 8th photo along).

http://spaces.msn.com/members/sheffair/PersonalSpace.aspx?_c01_photoalbum=showdefault&_c=photoalbum&_c02_owner=1

I have been reading the messages about Doncaster Sheffield Airport for a few weeks now but decided to wait and make my own conclusions after practical research.

THE MYTH ABOUT THE AIRPORT BEING IN THE BACKWATER OF NOWHERE AND IS DIFFICULT TO GET TO AND FIND ?

Set off from: Gleadless > M1 Junction 31 > M18 Junction 3 > drove past the Lakeside Villiage and came out at Doncaster Dome > Turned right, followed the signs > Finningley Airport.
Time taken 26 minutes .
The terminal is spotlessly clean (but then it would be being brand new).
The departure lounge- Room for improvement. It hasn't got that vibrant feel to it yet
Flew out to Jersey for a 4 day break. Looking down at the incredible runway, you can see why Sheffield City Airport failed to flourish.
Returned to Gleadless from DSA, time of return journey approx 30 minutes.
A few days later, I took my sister and her her kids to show them the airport. They live in Conisbrough (Doncaster) which is 6 mile from the town centre. We had to fight through the traffic in Doncaster town centre. Time taken from Conisbrough (Doncaster) to DSA 31 minutes , although it was a little quicker getting back.
My point is that it takes as much time to travel to the Airport from some places in Doncaster as it does from some places in Sheffield.
I have to say, that when we turned right after Doncaster Dome, I was expecting a hell of a long trek to the airport, judging by some of the messages on here. That was not the case at all.

SHOULD 'SHEFFIELD' BE INCLUDED IN THE NAME?

Of course it should be included.
Doncaster is on the way up, you only have to look at the place, the town centre expansion and developments, to realise that. And regardless what people say, people abroad (although they may have difficulty knowing exactly where it is...but the same can be said about Sheffield) have heard of Doncaster, which is by and large synonymous with the Railways and Steam Locomotives, Horse Racing and Coal. However, you can't take away the fact that Sheffield is the MAIN economic and commercial centre of South Yorkshire, and nothing what anyone from Donny says will alter this empirical fact. Doncaster may well be the second regional centre of South Yorkshire but it ain't no Sheffield. And the Airport fundamentally needs people from this side of the M1 to be a success. You only have to listen to the sudden increase of advertisements for Nottingham East Midland Airport, on local radio to see the importance placed on us Sheffield folk.
Not only, for the above reasons, do I feel the name of Sheffield should be included in the title, but the fact that Sheffield City Council, Sheffield Industries and Companies have given unconditional support to the airport, and we want recognition for this. I don't know if you guys are aware of this, but the City Council was one of the main sponspors behind the recent 'French Connect' meeting, aimed at courting French and other Low Cost airlines. Three guesses where DSA and Peel did all their romancing.........all together now SHEFFIELD.
Doncaster is getting to be a great town and maybe even a good city in the future. Sheffield is a present day GREAT City, and we should, like we are doing now, work together.

MY TURN TO WHINGE

The Airport is located in Doncaster and even though Sheffield has contributed to its launch and predicted success, everything about the airport says 'Doncaster'.
Walking in the airport you are greeted with a massive 'Spirit Of Doncaster' sign.
Where for pity's sake is evidence of Sheffield?
Where's a Sheffield shuttle service outside the terminal? Where's a Sheffield tourist information point or even a stand?

Granted from some parts of Sheffield, DSA is 30+ mile away, but it is still your airport. No doubt part of your local taxes will be to fund projects in and around the Airport...ie link roads, railway spurs etc. It takes longer to get to Heathrow from Islington, than it does Sheffield to DSA. You could argue that DSA is not Heathrow, but then again, Sheffield is not London.
Manchester has its mark on the Manchester Airport which is between Altringham and Stockport. It might be a nearer to the centre of Manchester than DSA is to Sheffield, but have you ever tried driving to the Airport from Manchester Centre?

Like it or lump it, the people of Sheffield have invested in the Airport in one way or another and we need to put our mark on it and not let Doncaster take all the glory. Otherwise, at the rate of growth Doncaster is growing, we'll be hard pushed to sustain the tag as regional capital.
I think sometimes people forget the fact that vistors from abroad use the airport. Doncaster has already seen French tourists and even Spanish tourists, not to mention planes full of Irish tourists and race goers. As it stands now, all routes from the airport lead to Doncaster by way of the shuttle services. It might only be a minority of continental toursts which will have minimal effect on the local economy, but from small acorns....
The airport is in its early days, but I think that with the introduction of long haul flights, the almost certain link road and the rail spur from the Doncaster to Lincoln line....it's set to become something special. And we need to put the Sheffield trade mark on it NOW

Well. Friar, I really enjoyed that rant. An Airport is an Airport, and let's face it, Sheffield City was the biggest waste of tarmac ever. At least we now have one around here, as for Robin Hood, then I'm Maid Marion !!:clap:

Originally posted by cloudybay
Well. Friar, I really enjoyed that rant.

It does the soul good to get out the soap box from time to time :thumbsup:

I agree with your Friar; the airport, if handled correctly, should prove to be a boon for the local economy. For it to be a success, however, all notions of local parochialism have to be left to one side. Doncaster is improving, but it is not yet city material. It comes nowhere close to Sheffield for cultural life and it has many of the attitudes of a small town. A University will move it forwards, bringing with it a diverse population that will force it to move away from catering purely for lager swilling packs of men in Ben Sherman shirts of an evening. Sheffield needs to stamp its identity on the airport too. As I live away from Sheffield I'm not up to date on the latest developments. Are there plans for a tram or rail link from the city centre?

Good stuff FriarTuck, a very good read.

Originally posted by SheffieldSean
Doncaster is improving, but it is not yet city material. It comes nowhere close to Sheffield for cultural life and it has many of the attitudes of a small town. A University will move it....

Prior to visiting Doncaster recently, my last day visit must have been over 15 years ago when the kids were young, and what you said 'above' certainly applied. The town looked tired and I recall going into a pub whilst the wife and kids shopped around the market. The pub was made up of gangsters, hillbillillies and tramps....very intimidating. That was the image I took from Doncaster until my sister moved to Conisbrough a couple of month ago and started singing Doncaster's praises.
I went to check out Doncaster myself and have to say I was pretty shocked by the difference. There is a fair old penny being spent on Doncaster town centre, including a huge and impressive University hub and a £200million interchange. The whole town has changed/is changing for the better.
Sheffield is no slouch, but it seems that visitors to South Yorkshire in the future will have the choice of 2 towns/cities to spend their well earned money, instead of automatically opting for Sheffield/Meadowhall.
The airport is having a major impact on Doncaster, just look at what the Scarborough Development Group, Yorkshire Forward, Ikea, B & Q, European Funding agencies are saying.
Sheffield is a better proposition than Doncaster for investment but we must capitalise on the Airport. East Midlands Airport has 3 independent shuttle services from it ....(Airline Shuttle to Derby, Skylink to Nottingham, and Rainbow 5 to Long Eaton) all financed by the respected local authorities.
The International Airport at Manchester is over 10 miles from the city centre, but Manchester enjoys 85% of the tens of million of pounds generated by the airport. This despite the closest towns to the Airport are Stockport and Altringham.
Quite simply Manchester has made its mark on the airport.
We have to think on that from next year you can travel to Florida and Mexico from DSA, and more long hauls to the far east and other US Cities are only a matter of time away.
How many times has Sheffield missed the boat. We need to get in there now and like you say Sean ,stamp our identity on the airport'.

Answer to your question. No trams but I believe a spur is coming of the main Doncaster to Lincoln line to serve the airport.

Originally posted by FriarTuck
The International Airport at Manchester is over 10 miles from the city centre, but Manchester enjoys 85% of the tens of million of pounds generated by the airport. This despite the closest towns to the Airport are Stockport and Altringham.
Quite simply Manchester has made its mark on the airport.


It's also expanding the motorway around the area to a minimum of four lanes each side. The transport infrastructure in the North West is fantastic, with a motorway and at least one fast-flowing dual carriageway into all towns.

This is something that seems to get neglected in Sheffield.

There is a hell of a lot of vast open space around Doncaster and I think businesses will settle there rather than come to Sheffield. There's already the Yorkshire Outlet, but what if Peel decide to build another Trafford Centre near the airport? That would certainly kill off any tourism to Meadowhall.

Can you imagine in the future foreign holidaymakers arriving at Doncaster and then going to Cleethorpes, Mablethorpe and Skegness for their holidays!

I am not knocking Sheffield, it's my city of birth and I am proud of Sheffield.
But you do make some good points alchresearch. I am fortunate in the fact my work for the past 25 years has given me an insight of information, relating to decisions and planning etc involving the city council. I am by no means at the forefront but I get to hear bits and bobs.
I was there in the 1980's during the Thatcher years when Sheffield was overlooked by private investors who opted for Leeds instead, because Leeds offered more incentives to move there. Prior to then Sheffield accounted for over 25% of Yorkshire's economy...far greater than Leeds. People said then, it was just a blip and when the free enterprise bubble burst., Leeds would suffer. But it didn't burst in that way. Of course Sheffield hit back in the early 90's with Meadowhall and the Supertram, but it was too late. Major commercial business had already located to Leeds City. Yorkshire's economy is now £65 billion per annum, Sheffield's is £7 billion (or 13% of Yorkshire's total). As I have said before, Sheffield is a Wonderful and Great city, and has much more character, cultural diversity, tradition and history than Leeds could ever hope for. In the last five years we have seen the Millenium Galleries and Winter Gardens, but ask people in other areas and they will not have heard of them. Hull got the 'The Deep', everyone and his dog knew about 'The Deep'. I think most people would have heard of Doncaster's Lakeside or the Frenchgate Interchange. The airport is going to be a window to the region. We have a lot more to offer than Doncaster does but Doncaster is great at 'bigging itself up' only now it is no longer embarrassed about inviting visitors to their town. Holiday goers from the North, South, East and West, who use the airport are making use of Doncaster Railway Station who are/have introduced luggage facilities so the tourists can leave their luggage and venture around the town before being transported to the Airport by the Shuttle Service.
My daughter (being a language teacher) was chatting to a French couple in Doncaster, who loved the place. If they thought Doncaster was good, then what would they think of Sheffield?..............but then they wouldn't be able to get to Sheffield because a service does not run to Sheffield from the Airport.
Ask any Manchester Airport enthusiast about which airport they believe poses a long term threat. Most will say DSA. On a Manchester International Airport Forum there was a thread (Manchester v DSA). Sounds ridiculous considering the difference in sizes, but it shows how much people respect DSA and its potential.
"Once the long hauls are established the world is your oyster" (Peel Holdings).

Part of the Airport terminal, at DSA, needs to be Sheffield. We need to advertise Sheffield Station (aka Midland Station), and (less so) Meadowhall Station as gateways to the Airport, and whisk tourists away in a Shuttle Bus to enjoy the delights of our great City.
Both Retford and Worksop are working tirelessly to promote their respected towns on the back of the airport, and I suggest us, Rotherham, Chesterfield and Barnsley do the same.
A small international airport is bringing rewards to Middlesbrough and Darlington. Liverpool is booming on the back of a rejuvinated John Lennon Airport, and just look at Nottingham nowadays. Foreign holidays are more affordable nowadays, and airports are going to get busier and busier.

I have been digging in the ribs of my local councillor, and you guys need to do the same, otherwise we will miss the opportunity.


Rant over, thanks for your time guys.

Another good post FT. I'm in a similar situation as you, Sheffield born and bred but moved to Manchester for work.

You're very right when you say that Sheffield does not do enough to put itself on the map. I only found out about the demolition of the 'egg box' and the Winter Gardens through the forum.

I've posted this before, and I apologise if I'm boring anyone iwth my rhetoric, but I feel that Sheffield does too little too late. I've harped on about the canal, how other cities have cashed in on their waterfronts. City centre living too, Sheffield seems to be throwing up apartments everywhere, but other cities did this ten years ago and it's now old hat.

I'm sure that the city is doing a lot for it's residents (or maybe it isn't), but it isn't doing anything to attract tourism out of the city. When I go to tourist attractions around Cheshire or Lancashire and look at the tourist pamplets in pubs or shops, you can guarantte to get a really good glossy brochure citing the virtues and attractions of Manchester.

But, I haven't seen anything like that in Derbyshire about Sheffield.

I still live in Sheffield Alch. You have the advantage of looking at Sheffield from an inner and outer perspective. I am bias, but I like to think I can be objective as possible. Sheffield is the tops for me, and I wouldn't swap it for Leeds or anywhere.
I know what you mean about Manchester selling itself with Max Clifford type vigour, the same can be said of Leeds, Nottingham, Cardiff, Birmingham, Liverpool, Newcastle and more recently secondry towns and cities like Hull and Doncaster.
On topic......Sheffield has now got its own airport and I can't wait for the day I see buses emblazoned with the words 'Airport Express' in the city centre. I can't wait for the time when you see foreign tourists struggling with 'fold up' maps on the city streets the way it did when Sheffield went cosmopolitan overload during the student games. This type of buzz I am refering to is the norm in Manchester, as you know Alch. By right, however, Sheffield should really be on par with Manchester.

I rest my case.

A Reuters news article.
Notice how it continues to exemplify SHEFFIELD . Proves we currently have the edge over Doncaster as marketing the airport goes because of our famous and historical past. With the rate of knots Doncaster are putting themselves about it won't be long before they can do it on their own.
When we see even MORE large companies like your Ikea, B&Q, Direct Line, HSBC etc re-locate headquarers, distribution centres and outlets to Doncaster we'll be kicking ourselves AGAIN , just like we did when we allowed Leeds to ride over us in the 1990s.
We need to exploit the airport, we need to get involved, and we need that shuttle servive.

http://today.reuters.co.uk/news/newsArticle.aspx?type=topNews&storyID=2005-05-24T165453Z_01_MOL460553_RTRUKOC_0_TRANSPORT-AIRPORT-SHEFFIELD.xml

I was very angry when it hardly got a mention on the national news, especially as it's the only one in the north which can handle the A380.

Re: comparison with Manchester Airport - it differs from DSA in that it is actually within the City of Manchester boundaries (although yes, it's close to the town centres of Altrincham (Trafford Borough) and Stockport (Stockport Borough). The 10 Greater Manchester authorities contribute to the airport, they recognise and promote it as 'theirs' - although obviously Mcr City Council takes the lead as that's where it is physically located and that council also covers most of the city centre. Greater Manchester also has a semblance of a county-wide public transport system and mainline trains to the airport with fast links from many towns some distance away.

The situation in 'Greater Sheffield' isn't quite the same. Sheffield is the main regional centre but the airport is in another borough. Robin Hood seems to have been largely ignored by Sheffield Council so far due to the dispute over the City Airport and the general feeling of being in competition with the rest of South Yorks rather than working alongside it [see also the YES! planning dispute in Rotherham]. The other SY boroughs contribute to Supertram but they don't get much direct benefit from it. South Yorkshire's buses and mainline railway services are also poor [compared to say, Leeds or Mcr].

You can't blame Doncaster for not giving much of a toss about Sheffield because the boot's been on the other foot for a long time. But all the local authorities need to start working together and we'll all benefit. Proper bus [and eventually train] links are a must.

Like it or lump it, the people of Sheffield have invested in the Airport in one way or another and we need to put our mark on it and not let Doncaster take all the glory.


It`s a pity you did`nt feel the same way about the Supertram, Frier Tuck, the people of Doncaster invested in the Supertram but who took all the glory? Sheffield City Council objected to the planning application for DSA, but now they want to hijack the name and pretend that it`s near Sheffield. The people of Doncaster ar bitter about Sheffield being included in the name and rightly so, a project that was given full backing by Doncaster Council, has been hijacked, incidentley my preffered name would have been South Yorkshire International Airport.

Originally posted by Bilge
......it is actually within the City of Manchester boundaries (although yes, it's close to the town centres of Altrincham (Trafford Borough) and Stockport (Stockport Borough).

Point of fact Bilge, I think the area to the south of Gatley (where Manchester International is located) falls in the Metropolitan Borough of Stockport.
I am aware of the MAG group (regional authorities having stakes the airport, Manchester City being the largest share holder at over 50%).
I can't, however, see your argument. A lot of what you said supports what I have been saying.

FILO I have the uppermost respect for your argument. Had you suggested what you said on here a month since I might have argued that Doncaster (with all due respect) was not attractive or worthy of an International Airport on its doorstep. This same argument was argued on Radio 2 a couple of week ago. However, I have spent a lot of time researching Doncaster and recently made my first visit for years, and I have to say with what I have read and seen, I am very very impressed.
The Supertram assertion is one I have heard many times before. True, a percentage of your council tax goes to transport and transportation costs in South Yorkshire, but bear in mind Filo, Doncaster is the largest Metropolitan Borough in the country, and the cost of maintaining roads and transport in Doncaster is very high indeed. Added to this, Doncaster's road infrastucture has dramatically improved over the last couple of years in order to cater for large projects. The cost of these are part subsidised by South Yorkshire Council Tax payers.
I think at the end of the day, this is an argument we'll have to agree to disagree.

Sheffield Hijacking the Airport

I sincerely hope so Filo, but then I am looking at this from the Sheffield side. Ultimately, Doncaster and Sheffield will have to work together, but on different levels of territory, we are all very protective and selfish. I would argue the toss for; England in Europe > Yorkshire in England > South Yorkshire in Yorkshire > Sheffield in South Yorkshire > Gleadless in Sheffield, and my family in Gleadless.
This is healthy debate Filo, and if those in power argue the same, it can only do good for DSA, Sheffield, Doncaster and South Yorkshire.

Originally posted by FriarTuck
Point of fact Bilge, I think the area to the south of Gatley (where Manchester International is located) falls in the Metropolitan Borough of Stockport.

I think you'll find Manchester Airport is inside the boundaries of the City of Manchester. The city boundary stretches a long way south from the city centre and includes the airport and Wythenshawe council estate. That's why the boundary is that shape - the city expanded south during its development. More info here:

http://www.manchester2002-uk.com/districts/wythenshawe.html

http://www.manchesteronline.co.uk/ewm/newsletter/ewm329b.html

Yes, Gatley and Heald Green are in Stockport and are near the airport. Trafford Borough is also nearby [Hale and Altrincham etc]. Runway 2 was actually built over the border into Cheshire [ie not Gtr Mcr] but the city council then bought the land and so even that bit is also now in City of Mcr. Obviously the neighbouring boroughs will have a say on planning issues around the edges of the airport. Taxis on the rank at the airport are licensed by Manchester not Stockport.


I am aware of the MAG group (regional authorities having stakes the airport, Manchester City being the largest share holder at over 50%).
I can't, however, see your argument. A lot of what you said supports what I have been saying.

I do support a lot of what you say. I was just pointing out that a direct comparison with Manchester is misleading for various reasons. Chief among these is that Sheffield City Council doesn't have within its boundaries the major international airport which includes its name.

Take your point about the bounderies Bilge. It's something of a extraordinary set up, the southern narrow bit of Manchester City being squashed by the 2 other authorities.

You are right of course DSA is not in Sheffield, but I can't see any reason why we still can't heavily contribute.
I think the link road will be the telling factor. Maybe then we might see tourists stopping off in Sheffield.

I've flown from Donny Airport (note what I call it) and thought it was a big letdown.

I know the airport is still in its teething stages but honestly that place needs a kick up the arse. The place isn't even nearly finished.

I've just arrived back from 2 weeks in Benidorm and we flew from Donny and were not impressed. You even have to put a deposit down for the luggage trolleys which is a nightmare if you've got no loose change on you in the middle of the night.

The outward journey wasn't too bad apart from the fact our plane was delayed cos they ground crew didn't know how to empty to planes toilets and we watched in amusement as the person trying to do it got covered in all the wee and stuff.

On our return we were stuck in the plane for what seemed like ages cos the couldn't find the steps to the plane and we ended up with only one set to unboard from cos their one other set of steps was on the other plane which landed earlier that day

The terminal is teeny and the duty free shop barely sold anything. Don't think I saw one person buy anything. There is no-where to eat apart from a Costa Coffee shop which is extortionate. No signs to the baby change which only cosisted of a hard bench and toilet anyway.

Light fittings hung down unfitted. Holes in the ceilings. Check in staff looking like they didn't have a clue and taking ages to check in just one person.

I could go on and on. I REALLY hope this is just teething problems and it'll get better but it aint much cop when the first thing you notice when you enter the arrivals is a huge sickening smell of turps.

Originally posted by krispy
I've flown from Donny Airport (note what I call it) and thought it was a big letdown.

I know the airport is still in its teething stages but honestly that place needs a kick up the arse. The place isn't even nearly finished.



Can I ask where you are from Krispy?

I have to say, I couldn't disagree more strongly with Krispy about the quality of DSA.

My wife and I just flew in-and-out of there on a weekend in Paris; I'd never been there before. First impressions of the facility were very positive - not too difficult to find, a *slightly* peculiar entrance to the site, but an attractive building, plenty of car parking. The place was spotlessly clean, the check-in staff were friendly and got us through as quick as they could. The departure lounge was lovely also; again, not very big, but big enough. The shop was adequate. Toilets again were spotlessly clean, which is a great bonus - even the flushes worked properly!

We has a FANTASTIC meal from "Bar 08" in there - really nice, well presented, tasty food, served by friendly staff who seemed as though they genuinely wanted to make a good impression. Some of the best restaurant customer service I've had in ages, and by a million miles the best airport meal I've ever had (and I've eaten at plenty of airports in my time....) It was very good value for money too.

The plane was half an hour late - not the fault of the airport, something to do with a problem at Charles De Gaulle - but we didn't mind waiting. The exceptional waitress at Bar 08 even gave us a couple of free diet cokes to be going on with.

After that, we were quick out through final check-in; the organisation of the passenger boarding was flawless. Overall, I was very very impressed.

Coming back, we were again an hour late coming out of Charles de Gaulle - yet another French cock-up it seemed - but once we arrived back home the staff at DSA seemed to know that people would have taxis waiting and things, and we got back through passport control into England in double-quick time. Very impressive again.

Of course, there are bound to be teething troubles, what with the airport only having opened 8 weeks ago, but once they get all the little glitches sorted out, and once they add more destinations to their roster, I can see it becoming my airport of choice for Europe. Personally, I wish all airports were thiss well-run.

Originally posted by JonMMUK
I have to say, I couldn't disagree more strongly with Krispy about the quality of DSA.


I have to say I was particularly swayed by all the negativity on this board about the airport. However, when I used the airport, saw the set up, I couldn't have been more wrong.
I am really at a loss as to why people say, it's hard to find, it's dingy etc. I just don't know!
After using the airport I was so taken with it that I have tried to sell it on here. I really think that Sheff Council need to sell it too, because I am sure long term they will benefit.
A shuttle service from Midland Station is a must I feel (not the first time I have said that lol).
The only thing which the airport lacks at the moment, I feel, is that airport vibe and buzz about it. I think when the viewing area etc is finished, it will seem more like an international airport. I also believe there is an imminent announcement regarding new tour operators and more destinations.

Originally posted by FriarTuck
I have to say I was particularly swayed by all the negativity on this board about the airport. However, when I used the airport, saw the set up, I couldn't have been more wrong.
I am really at a loss as to why people say, it's hard to find, it's dingy etc. I just don't know!

Maybe because it's better than the one Sheffield had or will ever had?

There is a lot of negativity about most things on here and with fair reason - Sheffield has been left behind a lot with most things.

Originally posted by FriarTuck
Can I ask where you are from Krispy?

I'm from Doncaster

Regarding off-airport parking at DSA, I just called Carport in Leeds & although I couldn't speak to Jon Farman who seems to be the architect of the scheme, I had a bit of a chat with another guy. He said that although Jon had acquired the land for parking, it wasn't levelled off yet, so it appears that not much progress has been made. He seemed to think that perhaps the plan is to get it up & running to cater for the forthcoming Florida flights. Doesn't help me much - I'm flying out 27 June!:(

I think somewhere in amongst this mega thread someone metioned that the airport's runways are N/S and as such Sheffield wouldn't be affected by it's flightpaths.

I'm south Sheffield and during the recent good weather (clear skies and windows open), I've noticed more and more passenger jets at low-ish altitude making a climb to the east.

The sound isn't particulary intrusive - I'm just curious. Would I be correct in saying these are jets making their ascent out of Robin Hood Airport?

Anyone got any clear details of the flighpaths out of/into Donny? (couldn't find anything readable on the web).