THE WELSH Conservatives have renewed criticism of the Labour Government’s continued public subsidy of Cardiff Airport, following confirmation that talks with Qatar Airways over restoring the flagship Doha route are still ongoing — but remain shrouded in secrecy.

It comes after a Freedom of Information (FOI) request revealed that the Welsh Government, Cardiff Airport and Qatar Airways have been in correspondence about the planned resumption of the long-haul service. However, the Government has refused to release any of the documents, citing commercial confidentiality.

Cardiff Airport’s press office confirmed to The Herald on May 1 that talks with the Qatari airline remain “positive”, but said there was “no update” on a return date.

The FOI response from Welsh Government officials, dated November 2024, confirmed that emails and letters between all parties exist, but the details were withheld under a public interest exemption — prompting questions over transparency and how taxpayer money is being used.

Since the airport was nationalised in 2013, the Labour-led Welsh Government has committed nearly £400 million in support, including a recent £206 million package to support post-pandemic recovery and new routes. Opposition parties say this approach lacks scrutiny.

Commenting, Welsh Conservative Shadow Transport Secretary Sam Rowlands MS said: “Labour’s continued mismanagement of Cardiff Airport has seen them pour hundreds of millions of taxpayers’ money into propping up a failing business.

“Despite repeated calls for transparency, they’ve refused to provide answers on how this money will be spent or whether better options — such as private sector partnerships — have been properly explored.

“If taxpayer money is being used to entice airlines like Qatar Airways back to Cardiff, the public has a right to know the terms of those deals.”

The Welsh Government has previously argued that public investment is essential to retain international connectivity for Wales and avoid reliance on English airports such as Bristol. Ministers say they aim to make Cardiff Airport self-sustaining in the long term.

But critics say the lack of openness over strategic negotiations, especially involving foreign carriers, undermines confidence in the airport’s management and public value for money.

The Herald understands that pressure is mounting for an internal review of the FOI decision, as questions remain over whether financial incentives are being offered — and what, if anything, taxpayers can expect in return.

Qatar Airways first launched its Cardiff–Doha route in May 2018, marking a major milestone for the airport. The daily service provided a vital long-haul connection between Wales and the Middle East, linking to over 150 global destinations via Hamad International Airport. The Herald was present to celebrate the first anniversary of the service in 2019, with photos taken at the airport to mark the occasion.

However, the route was suspended in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic and has never resumed.

By contrast, Qatar Airways resumed its Birmingham–Doha service in July 2023 following a three-year pause, with daily flights now operating from the West Midlands. Cardiff remains the only UK route previously served by Qatar Airways that has not returned post-pandemic — a fact that continues to fuel concerns about the airport’s recovery strategy and the Welsh Government’s handling of international partnerships.

PLANS to remodel a Pembrokeshire seaside town supermarket and filling station with a holiday let have been submitted to the national park.

In an application to Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, C K’s Supermarkets is seeking permission for the re-modelling and extension of the ground floor of its shop/filling station at Five Ways Garage, The Green, Tenby, along with the conversion of the first floor to create a one-bed self-contained flat/holiday let, as well as the installation of an ATM cash machine.

Tenby Civic society raised concerns about safety during construction with the site having petrol storage, potential pollution of flood waters, there is already a cashpoint at the nearby Co-op, and “Given the substantial expansion of the shop, the proposed site layout is a little tight for parking spaces and access to the electric charging points beside the right of way to businesses on the backland,” finishing: “Also, have they been notified of the application?”

The park’s building conservation officer has said there are a number of listed buildings surrounding the application site, including the town’s railway viaduct but the scheme is “not considered to unduly impact on its character due to the scale of the listed structure and the containment of the proposed development largely beneath the existing canopy.”

He has also said the proposal, just outside the town’s conservation area, would have a very low impact on its setting.

The application will be considered by national park planners at a later date.

Pembrokeshire well placed to benefit from renewables push

A MAJOR new report launched in the Senedd today (May 13) sets out a bold and urgent roadmap to make Wales a world leader in renewable energy — with Pembrokeshire highlighted as a key player in unlocking a potential £47 billion economic boost.

Titled Unleashing the Full Value of Welsh Renewables, the report was published by RenewableUK Cymru, in partnership with Solar Energy UK and Marine Energy Wales. It provides the most comprehensive national assessment to date of the economic, environmental and social benefits of renewables between now and 2035.

Backed by detailed analysis from BiGGAR Economics, the report outlines three possible futures for Wales: sticking with current targets, modestly increasing ambition, or fully maximising the country’s renewable potential. Only the most ambitious scenario would see Wales achieve:

• 17.9GW of installed renewable capacity
• £46.9bn in private investment – including over £10bn for Welsh firms
• 8,000 high-paid skilled jobs – with average salaries 26% above the Welsh norm
• £183m in community benefit funds
• 13 million tonnes of CO2 saved, the equivalent of taking 10 million cars off the road
• Nearly £2bn in tax revenues to support public services

Pembrokeshire at the heart of green growth

With its strategic coastline, established energy infrastructure at Milford Haven, and growing marine and solar sectors, Pembrokeshire is well placed to be at the forefront of the renewables revolution. Port infrastructure upgrades, floating offshore wind development in the Celtic Sea, and plans for green hydrogen production all feature prominently in the region’s future.

Jessica Hooper, Director of RenewableUK Cymru, said: “This report isn’t just another vision document — it’s a call to action. The only way to unlock the full benefits is to go big. That means major investment in ports like Milford Haven, grid infrastructure, skills, and faster planning.”

She added: “Pembrokeshire can be a renewables powerhouse — not only generating clean energy, but creating jobs, supporting communities, and putting money into local businesses.”

‘Wales must be bold’ – First Minister backs ambition

First Minister Eluned Morgan said: “Scaling up renewables is not just about meeting climate targets — it’s an economic imperative. Wales has the natural resources, talent, and industrial base to lead the world, but we need bold action to seize that opportunity.”

“The report makes clear the size of the prize. With the right political will and partnership between government and industry, we can deliver a new era of green growth and prosperity in every part of Wales — from the valleys to our western coasts.”

Supporting wellbeing and future generations

The report also underlines how renewable energy aligns with Wales’s Well-being of Future Generations Act, supporting 86% of national indicators and contributing directly to all seven wellbeing goals.

As talks continue over a dedicated Welsh Renewables Sector Deal, the report provides a solid evidence base for minimum deployment targets and long-term planning. For Pembrokeshire, it could mean a renewed sense of purpose — and a leading role in powering Wales’s green future.