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Doncaster Sheffield Airport is Coming Back β€” And It Needs 50 Firefighters to Do It
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Doncaster Sheffield Airport is Coming Back β€” And It Needs 50 Firefighters to Do It

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23 June 2026Β·3 min readΒ·+11k viewsΒ·πŸ’¬ Comments

Doncaster Sheffield Airport is Coming Back β€” And It Needs 50 Firefighters to Do It

Doncaster Sheffield Airport is reopening for the first time since 2022 β€” and its Airport Fire and Rescue Service is recruiting 50 operational personnel over the next 12 months. This is one of the most exciting opportunities in aviation firefighting the UK has seen in years.

Flights Are Returning to Doncaster Sheffield Airport

For the first time since 2022, Doncaster Sheffield Airport (DSA) is getting ready to welcome flights again. It's a landmark moment for South Yorkshire β€” and one that comes with a significant build-out of the airport's safety and emergency infrastructure, starting with its Airport Fire and Rescue Service.

The AFRS at DSA is set to operate 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, providing Category 7 fire cover to the aerodrome. Work has already been completed to modernise and refurbish the airport's fire station to current standards, and with three personnel already on site progressing the development, the service is now in active recruitment mode.

The newly refurbished DSA Airport Fire Station, ready for operations
The newly refurbished DSA Airport Fire Station, ready for operations

50 Roles. 12 Months. One Chance to Be Part of Something Historic.

The Airport Fire and Rescue Service is looking to recruit a total of 50 operational personnel within the next 12 months. Roles range across the board β€” from new Firefighters and Qualified Firefighters through to Crew Managers and Watch Managers. Whether you're looking for your first step into aviation fire or you're an experienced operational manager ready for a new challenge, there's a role at DSA being built for you.

This is rare. Opportunities to join an airport fire and rescue service at this scale β€” at the very start of its operational life β€” don't come around often. You wouldn't just be filling a post; you'd be helping build the service from the ground up.

We have both live roles listed on our Jobs Board right now:

What the Airport Is Looking For

Wes Bunting, Head of Fire & Emergency Planning at the airport, set out exactly what DSA is after: "We're seeking passionate and dedicated individuals, who are ambitious and want to further their career at this exciting point in the airport's journey. Aviation firefighting is a specialised area of the profession. Doncaster Sheffield Airport is growing, and our teams need to be ready to deal with a variety of scenarios and emergencies. Given the status and opportunity of this project, we know that these roles will be highly sought after."

That last line is worth taking seriously. These roles will attract strong competition β€” so if you're interested, act quickly. The closing date for current vacancies is this Friday.

Airport Fire & Rescue PPE β€” ready and waiting for the next crew
Airport Fire & Rescue PPE β€” ready and waiting for the next crew

Why This Matters Beyond the Job

Simon Hinchley, Executive Director of Airport Operations, framed the scale of what's happening at DSA: "Safety is our number one priority, and these roles are critical to providing the reassurance and cover required to build a fully operational airport and match the ambitions we have set. Not only will the successful applicants join a fantastic team, but they will also be a part of a truly special project, helping bring flights back to the airport for the first time since 2022."

He added: "If you're driven, forward-thinking, and ready to contribute to something exceptional, this role offers the chance to leave a lasting legacy."

The Bigger Picture at DSA

Around 70 individuals are already employed on-site at Doncaster Sheffield Airport, fulfilling a number of vital roles required to meet critical milestones in the reopening process. The AFRS recruitment is part of a much wider effort β€” other roles currently out for recruitment include Air Traffic Controllers, IT specialists, and Airfield Operations Managers.

The airport's fire station has been refurbished and is ready. The appliances are on the bay. Now they need the people to crew them.

If aviation firefighting has ever been on your radar, this is the moment. View the current vacancies on our Jobs Board and get your application in before Friday's closing date.

Photos

Doncaster Sheffield Airport AFRS appliance signage
Doncaster Sheffield Airport AFRS appliance signage
Angloco Fire and Rescue appliance at Doncaster Sheffield Airport fire station
Angloco Fire and Rescue appliance at Doncaster Sheffield Airport fire station
DSA Airport Fire Station β€” bays open, appliance on standby
DSA Airport Fire Station β€” bays open, appliance on standby
Doncaster Sheffield Airport AFRS helmet badge
Doncaster Sheffield Airport AFRS helmet badge
DSA Airport Fire & Rescue uniform badge
DSA Airport Fire & Rescue uniform badge

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Comments (2)

R
Richard BriggsGuest
25 Jun 2026

recently retired from west Yorkshire fire and rescue. 1 year ago,after 28yrs impeccable service record. this seams to fill the void left when I retired from the best job in the world

M
Matthew goodwinGuest
24 Jun 2026

Currently at notts fire service. Im a technician maintaining and repairing all equipment, pumps, Alps ect. If youse need a technician ide be interested if their was a van available.

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