10 Things You Didn't Know About Robin Hood Airport

[Nettie Gary]

If you thought that Robin Hood just took from the rich and gave to the
poor, you may be surprised to know that there is an airport named
after him. Find out more about the airport and the region it serves.
1. Robin Hood Airport is the UK's newest purpose built international
airport, and is located in Doncaster, South Yorkshire.
2. The airport is built on the former RAF base, RAF Finningley, which
was the front line bomber command during WW2 and Cold War. It has a
proud history and means a lot to the residents of Donacaster.
3. The RAF base was seen as surplus to requirements in 1995 by the
RAF, and was decommissioned. In 1999 it was bought by Peel holdings,
with a view of turning the site into a commercial airport.
4. Today, Robin Hood Airport has one of the UK's longest runways. This
means that the airport is capable of handling charter, scheduled, and
long-haul flights as well as freight, general and business aviation.
5. Unlike other UK airports which are just named after their location,
such as Liverpool, or Manchester airports, Doncaster / Sheffield
airport was named Robin Hood. The UK was slow at naming airports after
national heroes and leaders, unlike other countries. JFK, Charles de
Gaulle and Mozart airport in Salzburg are each named after well known
national people. There were several other suggestions, but Robin Hood
had strong local links, and was the best known worldwide. Doncaster
and Sheffield is mentioned in the airport name, as is the case with
London Heathrow, Leeds Bradford and others.
6. Robin Hood airport was opened in April 2005. In just over 3 years
it has had over 1m passengers annually and this figure is growing.
7. Over 40 destinations can be reached from Robin Hood Airport. These
include popular European destinations, the West Indies and North
Africa. Passengers really are spoilt for choice of destination.
8. Robin Hood Airport is easy to access from Sheffield, Leeds, Hull,
York and Lincoln thanks to an impressive transport infrastructure,
including rail, local roads and motorways.
9. There are currently 18 airlines and travel companies flying to and
from Robin Hood Airport, and the number is expected to increase. This
provides passengers with a choice of airlines and destinations, and
ensures that passengers can use their local airport, or arrive where
they want to be without having to travel too far to reach their
destination in the UK.
10. Thanks to it's excellent location, Robin Hood Aiport provides a
suitable alternative to Manchester and Liverpool airports for
passengers departing from and arriving to the east of the country.
Now you know more about the UK's newest airport, isn't it time you let
Robin Hood airport take you where you want to go?