Manchester Airports Group (MAG) will offer all staff from Doncaster Sheffield Airport an interview for vacancies after it was announced the airport would be closing. Peel Group, who owns the airport, announced today that they will be 'winding down' flights from the end of next month a strategic review found that the airport was "not viable".
This closure means the potential loss of around 800 jobs with 2,700 more also likely to be affected. The decision to the shut down the airport reportedly came after it was offered public money to continue running until next year, the Mirror reports, however, the coronavirus pandemic leading to a drop in numbers and the departure of operator Wizz Air was resulting in a 'lack' of revenue, Peel said.
MAG, who manage Manchester Airport, London Stansted, and East Midlands, have offered a lifeline to the staff affected by this closure by guaranteeing them an interview for a vacancy at one of the group's airports. A Manchester Airport Group spokesperson said: "Following the sad news of the planned closure of Doncaster Sheffield Airport (DSA), Manchester Airports Group (MAG) will offer all affected staff a guaranteed interview for vacancies across its three airports – Manchester, London Stansted and East Midlands."
READ MORE: Major road closed amid 'collapse' as drivers told to avoid the area
There are careers fairs at East Midlands and London Stansted in the coming weeks, with Manchester Airport having regularly run these events this year, most recently last Thursday (September 22). The spokesman added: "East Midlands Airport will be participating in a jobs fair tomorrow, Tuesday September 27 at The Chatsworth Arts Centre in Long Eaton, and London Stansted Airport will host a jobs fair on Tuesday October 4 at the Radisson Blu Hotel, Stansted Airport.
"All affected staff from DSA are invited to attend, to learn more about available opportunities and the recruitment process. For anyone unable to attend the upcoming events, or for more information about available roles across the Group, affected staff should visit MAG’s careers website."
Manchester Airport endured a nightmare start to the year as global travelling restrictions were eased leading to a sharp spike in passengers travelling through the airport. The airport at that time did not have the staff to deal with this spike in passengers leading to people facing hours of queues which snaked around the terminals, with many missing their flights because of this.
This led to the managing director, Karen Smart, leaving her role in April. Chris Woodroofe took over the role soon afterwards, saying that the airport was "getting there" when it came to reducing queue times for passengers.
Passenger's experiences have drastically improved in recent months as more than 600 security staff were recruited with more due to start after clearing security checks. As of September 9, 775 colleagues had started work at the airport since the turn of the year, and 200 more will start by the end of the year, pending training. Job fairs for a variety of roles have regularly been held in Wythenshawe to recruit for hundreds of jobs as passenger numbers continue to increase.
It has not been specified how many staff from Doncaster Sheffield Airport will be interviewed for available roles in Manchester. Manchester Airport has been approached for more information.
On the closure of Doncaster Sheffield Airport, Robert Hough, chairman of Peel Airports Group, said: "We recognise that this will come as a great disappointment to many. The intractable problem remains the fundamental and insufficient lack of current or prospective revenue streams, together with the airport's high operating costs.
"Our employees have always been DSA's greatest asset, and we are grateful to them all, past and present, for their dedication and diligence over the years. The immediate priority remains to continue engaging closely with them over the next few weeks."
South Yorkshire Mayor Oliver Coppard reacted saying: "I’m devastated and angry about the impact it will have on our communities. Most importantly, there are hundreds of people across Doncaster and South Yorkshire who will now be frightened for their future. 800 people work at the airport"
For more of today's top stories click here.
READ NEXT:
