DONCASTER INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT, or at least the former RAF Finningley, about five miles to the south east of Doncaster and just off the M18, has been given the go-ahead following a government enquiry. Developers Peel Airports, who have been successful in turning Liverpool into John Lennon International, will transform site on the outskirts of Doncaster into a commercial airport transporting up to 2m passengers a year. Doncaster Council has fully supported the proposal for an airport at Finningley. Manchester Airport, which also owns Humberside and East Midlands, opposed the scheme. Leeds Bradford International Airport says it remains confident it is not going to suffer because of Finningley. Peel Airports is a wholly owned subsidiary of Peel Holdings Plc, the northern based property and transport group, which also owns the Trafford Centre and the Manchester Ship Canal Company. Given that the runway is already in place, the airport having been closed by the RAF in March 1996, it would seem likely that commercial flights could take place by the start of the summer season 2004. Clearly there is a lot of work to be done. http://www.doncasterfinningleyairport.co.uk