CARDIFF AIRPORT has outperformed some of the UK’s busiest hubs for flight punctuality over the Easter period, according to new analysis — but longstanding concerns over its size, routes and public funding continue to cast a shadow over its future.

The study, based on Civil Aviation Authority data from April periods between 2022 and 2025, found that Cardiff Airport recorded a delay rate of 23.8% for departing flights. This placed it ahead of several major UK airports, including Heathrow Airport (26.4%), Gatwick Airport (26.0%), Edinburgh Airport (27.2%) and Newcastle International Airport (25.8%).

The figures, compiled by travel analysts Locals Insider, examined more than 650,000 flights across 24 UK airports, offering a snapshot of performance during one of the busiest travel windows of the year.

Smaller airport, smoother operations

Supporters say the findings highlight Cardiff’s reliability at a time when many passengers face disruption at larger, congested hubs.

A spokesperson for Locals Insider said the airport’s performance “paints a reassuring picture for Welsh travellers”, particularly as passenger numbers are expected to rise over Easter and new routes are introduced.

However, the data also reflects the scale difference between Cardiff and the UK’s largest airports. Over the four-year period analysed, Cardiff handled just 1,918 April flights — compared with nearly 148,000 at Heathrow alone.

This disparity means smaller airports can often maintain better punctuality simply due to lower traffic volumes and reduced pressure on infrastructure.

Wider challenges remain

Despite the positive figures, Cardiff Airport continues to face scrutiny over its long-term viability and performance.

The airport has been owned by the Welsh Government since 2013, and has received significant public investment in an effort to boost connectivity and economic growth.

Critics argue that passenger numbers remain relatively low and that the airport struggles to compete with nearby Bristol Airport, which offers a far wider choice of destinations and attracts millions more travellers each year.

There have also been ongoing questions about whether public funding represents value for money, particularly at a time of pressure on public services.

Growth and opportunity

Supporters of the airport point to signs of recovery and growth, particularly following the pandemic, with increased passenger demand and efforts to expand routes.

They argue that Cardiff plays a vital strategic role for Wales, providing international connectivity, supporting tourism, and contributing to the regional economy.

While the latest punctuality data offers a positive headline, the broader challenge remains whether Cardiff Airport can translate operational reliability into sustained growth and greater passenger numbers.

As the busy Easter travel period approaches, the airport may be performing well on timekeeping — but the debate over its future is far from settled.

A CUTTING-edge defence technology company that now owns West Wales Airport has revealed how its rapid growth is helping put the region firmly on the map for high-tech innovation and skilled jobs.

The company, Tekever, has expanded significantly across the UK in recent years—but it is its presence in west Wales that is playing a crucial role in its operations.

The firm owns West Wales Airport near Aberporth, where it tests advanced unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), trains operators and demonstrates cutting-edge systems to clients.

Strategic role for west Wales

What began as a small UK operation has grown into a major player in defence and security, specialising in AI-driven autonomous systems used for intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance.

Company founder Paul Webb said the airport in west Wales is central to that vision.

He explained that the site provides a unique environment where new technologies can be tested safely while supporting collaboration across the wider aerospace sector.

The Herald understands that facilities like West Wales Airport are increasingly seen as vital national assets, particularly as the UK looks to strengthen its domestic defence capability.

From small beginnings to global reach

Tekever, originally founded in Portugal, established its first UK base in Southampton before expanding to Bath and London. It is now preparing to open a major engineering and manufacturing hub in Swindon.

Its growth has been supported in part by early backing from Farnborough Aerospace Consortium, which helped the company develop key software systems in its early days.

FAC chief executive Alan Fisher said the company’s success highlights the importance of supporting innovative businesses from the outset.

He said: “It is remarkable to see how far the company has progressed. It shows what can be achieved when strong ideas and technical talent are backed in the right way.”

Jobs and opportunities

The expansion is expected to bring further investment and high-skilled employment across the UK, with west Wales playing a continuing role in testing and development.

While much of the manufacturing will take place elsewhere, the airport’s role in trials, training and demonstrations ensures the region remains an important part of the company’s long-term plans.

For west Wales, the presence of a world-leading UAV firm offers not just prestige, but the potential to attract further aerospace and defence businesses to the area.

PLANS for the expansion of a Pembrokeshire kennels business has been approved by the national park despite neighbour concerns about increased noise.

In an application to Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, Nick Willis sought permission for the expansion of an existing kennels/cattery business at Foxcombe House, near Manorbier, with 15 new kennels with dog runs, an office, grooming room, kitchen, and associated facilities.

Three members of the public had raised concerns about the scheme including potential noise nuisance with its expansion of the site, just off the A4139 Tenby to Jameston road.

An officer report said the proposals were an amendment to original plans which proposed an extension into the field adjacent to the A4139, currently used as a small caravan and motorhome campsite.

“Whilst the level of development remains as originally proposed and represents a significant intensification of built development, the proposed location, closer to existing facilities, is considered to better reflect an extension of the existing business rather than a separate part of the business,” the report said.

It added: “Correspondence has been received from three properties in the surrounding landscape, which raise concerns about noise nuisance from the existing kennels and indicate that there is likely to be an increase due to the proposed expansion of the kennel business.

“Officers have consulted directly with Pembrokeshire County Council Public Protection team, who confirmed that no formal noise complaints had been received regarding the existing kennel business.

“It is recognised that there is potential for both the existing business and the proposed expanded business to create a noise impact within the immediate surrounding landscape. However, the nearest properties are 103 metres to the southeast and 64 metres to the west.”

It went on to say: “The proposed business plan states that the existing kennels are soundproofed, and the proposed new kennels will also be soundproofed to limit any noise impact. Obviously, it is recognised that the dogs will not be in the kennels for their entire stay and will require access to the exercise areas daily. These areas are open and could lead to noise impact, but again, the use of the exercise areas will be limited and is considered a necessary part of the business, and is an essential element of the business to keep the animals healthy during their stays at the site.

“As such, given the limited nature of the essential exercise areas and that the proposed kennels are to be soundproofed, sufficient mitigation has been proposed in this instance to minimise any noise disturbance to neighbours.”

The application was conditionally approved by park planners.