It's not very often that a new Airport opens, and it is even less common when that Airport is, metaphorically speaking, as the Crow flies quite literally on your doorstop. Yet on the 28th April 2005 that is exactly what happened in my neck of the woods.
Whilst most people agreed that a new British Airport was essential to meet the ever growing demands in air travel, and in principal these people believed it to be good idea, Doncaster Airport opened in a midst of controversy. On one hand there were the Nimby's (not in my back yard), who had genuine fears about noise pollution, increased traffic congestion and safety fears, and then there were others like myself who lived slightly further away in Sheffield who felt somewhat cheated.
THE BACKGROUND
Until 1997 Sheffield was one of the largest cities in Europe without its own Airport, so the opening of the Sheffield City Airport in 1997 was a welcome, if somewhat very overdue decision. For a while this small Airport situated within a stone's throw of the M1 Motorway thrived, but after a few months of joy it sadly began to decline, and within 12 months of opening there were no scheduled flights taking place. Today this Airport handles only a few private flights a week and the odd bit of freight cargo. Yet just a few miles from here the
rumours that had been around for years regarding a proposed new Airport to rival the likes of Manchester and Gatwick, to be built on the site of the former RAF Military base at Finningley, near Doncaster were finally approved.
The contrasting fate of the two adjacent Airports may seem like an unfortunate coincidence but there is a common theme. A Company called Peel Holdings Plc owned both Airports, and there are many that believe that this company deliberately withdrew its investment from Sheffield Airport, after siphoning off the Europeangrants and Government money that it had been awarded. Some would say that Sheffield was abandoned for a newer and bigger site, as soon as the final planning permission had been approved at Finningley.
As a way of a compromise the people at Peel Holdings came up with one last crazy idea, and by way of a compromise decided to call Finningley's new Airport "Robin Hood Sheffield Doncaster Airport." Which, being such a bizarre name and mouthful it is little wonder that to most locals this Airport is usually referred to as "Finningley" or "Donny" Airport.
The choice of site was without a shadow of a doubt a stroke of pure genius. The former RAF Military base, which had been located here since 1936, had closed in 1996, after being declared surplus to the Ministry of Defence's requirements. However the runway had been totally re-surfaced only a couple of years before, obviously at the Military's and British taxpayers expense. If this was not fortunate enough for its future plans as an International Airport, Finningley held one final ace up its sleeve. The runway is 2,891 metres long (just short of 2 miles), making it not only the longest runway in Europe, but the only place within the EEC where the Space shuttle, should it ever wish to, could land.
The existing runway aside, the building of the Airport was more or less done from scratch. The existing hangers and other buildings being largely demolished and flattened .The Airport itself is therefore a very modern looking place with a fancy glass building that houses both the arrivals and departures within this one building. There is also a huge Car Park outside, but more importantly still there is plenty of room for expansion and a further two terminals are planned over the next few years.
INSIDE THE AIRPORT
Inside the terminal the layout of the building is pretty much in line with that of other Airports that I have visited such as Manchester and East Midlands, though on a smaller scale, for the moment at least. There are rows of check in desks, public telephones and toilets, which have both disabled and Baby Changing facilities, and an enquiries/help desk.
There is also a Spar shop selling all those last minute essentials that you might have forgotten to pack like Camera Batteries, Newspapers and Magazines. Since this Spar shop is also there to catch the trade of those arriving at the Airport it also sells basics like Bread and Milk, which is ideal as it means that you don't have to stop off somewhere on the way home.
The check-in queues were not particular large when I visited although I did note that my check-in was rather slow, not a major problem for me since I was in plenty of time, but nonetheless a little frustrating. Once you have completed check-in you follow the signs to the right which takes you to the Departure Lounge that is situated upstairs, quite a novel place for a Departure Lounge and great for watching the Planes take off and land whilst you are waiting for your flight.
In this area there is also a small Duty Free shop and a Costa Coffee shop, where you can buy drinks and light snacks.
If it is a more substantial meal that you are looking for then there is also a very modern looking Food Hall, and three different Bars, including two JD Wetherspoon Bars. All Bars and the Food Hall are located where they can be enjoyed by all visitors to the Airport, whether they are flying or not.
HOW TO GET THERE
The Airport is situated in South Yorkshire close to the major cities of Sheffield, Leeds, Hull, York and Lincoln. Nearby are the towns of Doncaster, Rotherham, Barnsley, Grimsby, Scunthorpe, Worksop, Bawtry and Gainsborough.
It is easily accessible by car as it is situated very close to the M18 Motorway, which branches off the M1 at junction 2, from where it is clearly sign posted.
The postal address is: Robin Hood Airport Doncaster Sheffield First Avenue Doncaster Sheffield DN9 3RH
The Airport is well served by rail and has its own Rail link from Doncaster.
GENERAL INFORMATION
There is an official Taxi Rank situated in the Car Park, just outside the main building but most people arriving or leaving by Taxi seem to pre-book their Taxi's in advance, so I suspect that these are a bit on the expensive side.
Car Parking can be booked by telephone, Online or in person. Prices vary so for latest information I suggest that you visit the official website for the Airport at http://www.robinhoodairport.com
It is worth remembering that this Airport is still quite small but it is still less than a year old and it is expanding all of the time. Already it has reached its early targets. It is however expected to be amongst the top 10 busiest Airports in the UK by the year 2015 so obviously the plans for this place are long term. Currently the main Airlines flying out of this Airport are Thomsonfly, Easyjet, and Ryanair flying to UK and European destinations but International flights are starting this year.
CONCLUSION
The need for a new UK International Airport of this size is obvious and the location bang in the middle of England is perfect. Despite my obvious disappointment with the failure of my hometown's own efforts I wish this project the best of success for the future and I hope to be using it on a regular basis.
i'll be flyiing there in a couple ofmonths so i've picked up some useful info. thanks
sheffsal 07.02.2006 19:51
Excellant review, having never visited the airport yet, Im hoping that this year will be the first of many flights from my home turf of south yorkshire. I still think it should have kept its original name of Finningly, as this was the home base of the dam busters 617 squadron. What a fitting tribute.
PS take no notice of hiker
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Advantages: Fantastic building, excellent car parks, long, long runway with massive potential Disadvantages: Road signs from motorways are still not in place - some dispute
Advantages: Fantastic building, excellent car parks, long, long runway with massive potential Disadvantages: Road signs from motorways are still not in place - some dispute
exceptional by (2%):
very helpful by (92%):
helpful by (6%):
