An operator is now being sought to run Doncaster Airport after the local authority secured a 125-year lease to run the site.
The Mayor of Doncaster, Ros Jones made the announcement yesterday, after a year of negotiations with the landowners Peel Group.
Campaigners had been fighting to save the transport hub since it was closed by Peel in November 2022, who claimed running costs were too high.
Mayor Jones said: “I would like to personally thank Doncaster Council officers who have worked tirelessly with great dedication, insight, determination and skill to get us where we are today.”
The reaction from the public following the announcement was positive with people supporting the news.
One comment said: “Fantastic news for our new city, now we will see the region grow, thanks to all involved!”
Another said: “This is fantastic news, congratulations to you and the team. An excellent example of working together as one.”
The next stage in the process will be to appoint an airport operator to manage the airport.
South Yorkshire Combined Authority has made £138 million available to fund the reopening.
South Yorkshire Mayor Oliver Coppard said: “I know people want us to move quickly, and we will, but I have said from the start, we will only ever do things in a way that protects taxpayers while giving both DSA and South Yorkshire the brightest possible future.”
There has been overflowing support from Facebook groups created to fight for the reopening of the airport.
One group said: “isn’t it just the best news that we have all desperately been waiting for.”
An ex-worker at the airport said: “I can’t wait to get my old job back, and I look forward to a big reunion party with all the staff who lost their jobs, and also welcome new staff to the wonderful friendly place of Doncaster airport.”
The lease came after Sheffield’s city council cabinet gave their unanimous support to the reopening of DSA.
It forms part of the South Yorkshire Airport city programme which is dedicated to working towards reopening the airport.
It focuses on the technical, legal, procurement and financial work needed to get the project off the ground.