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Post by admin on Mar 15, 2006 16:51:35 GMT
Chocks away for Robin Hood airport
Britain's first new commercial airport for 39 years opens on the site of a former RAF base in South Yorkshire this week. What will the snappily named Robin Hood Doncaster Sheffield International Airport mean for locals, the economy and environment?
When flight TOM512 takes off for Palma on Thursday 28th April, it will be making history as the first ever scheduled flight to depart from South Yorkshire. Robin Hood Airport, on the site of the former RAF Finningley is the first commercial airport to open since Stansted in 1966.
The runway, just short of two miles long, has been retained from the former military base, as have some of the hangars. But a new terminal building, car park and access road have all been built in expectation of an influx of Yorkshire holidaymakers and business travellers.
The airport will operate flights to European destinations. Routes to Malaga, Faro and Alicante will open up immediately and flights to long haul destinations, such as Mexico and Florida are due to begin in May.
Stairway to heaven: airport escalator
Although the development has been largely welcomed by residents, as it will create an estimated 7,000 jobs, some environmentalists have opposed the airport.
The airport operators predict it will be carrying 2.3 million passengers annually shortly after opening.
The name has also been a source of controversy, but airport officials argue Doncaster's links with Robin Hood are strong enough. Legend has it that he married Maid Marian nearby.
As air travel has become increasingly popular in recent years, so has the need for airport expansion across the UK. Campaigners have fought hard to prevent growth of existing airports, especially in the south-east, so new sites need to be found to satisfy demand for convenient travel.
What will the new airport mean for South Yorkshire people? Will you be jumping at the chance to set off on an affordable holiday from your own backyard? Or do you fear traffic congestion and pollution? Will an international airport connect your business to the rest of the world, or make no difference?
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