• Doncaster Sheffield Airport is preparing to reopen between 2027 and 2028 after a near five-year closure, supported by a £160m investment in ground operations, hangars, and support facilities.

• Heamar Managing Director David Martin says the reopening creates opportunities for suppliers and MROs, with early commitments needed on calibrated tooling, spares, and advanced maintenance capabilities for new-generation aircraft.

• Heamar plans to work with operators and maintenance facilities to provide tooling, training, and OEM-sourced equipment, aiming to enhance safety, reliability, and regional job creation.

After what will be a near five-year closure, Doncaster Sheffield Airport is set to reopen and resume flights between 2027 and 2028.

Planned upgrades will cover ground operations, maintenance hangars, and support facilities, but what does this mean for suppliers, MROs, ground operations personnel, and stakeholders?

David Martin, Managing Director at precision tooling and lighting distributor Heamar, comments on the reopening and the implications for the sector.

“Doncaster Sheffield Airport’s reopening is a welcome boost for UK aviation, and a timely opportunity for the region. The £160m investment will upgrade ground operations, maintenance hangars, and support facilities, which maps directly to Heamar’s core expertise in aviation tooling.

“With services expected from 2027 to 2028, operators will need early commitments on calibrated tooling, torque and crimp solutions, B1/B2 kits, and standardised spares to drive safe, fast turnarounds. MRO capacity will also need to scale for newer airframes and avionics, including composite repair, high-voltage and fibre-optic capability, and data-driven maintenance practices.

“Heamar, as always, will partner with operators and maintenance facilities to plan the bill of tools, deliver technical training, and secure rapid sourcing through long-standing OEM relationships. Done well, this programme will lift safety and reliability, create skilled jobs, and build a resilient regional hub. We welcome conversations with airport stakeholders, airlines, and MROs to ensure the right tools are in place from day one.