Business

Cardiff Airport ‘withering on the vine’ as ministers step back from Qatar Airways talks

Published

5 months ago

July 3, 2025

Calls grow for Welsh Government to step up efforts to restore key international route

CARDIFF AIRPORT has become the only UK hub where Qatar Airways flights to Doha have not resumed—prompting sharp criticism from Welsh Conservative MS Andrew RT Davies, who accused ministers of “sitting on their hands” and allowing a once-promising international link to stagnate.

The airport, which is wholly owned by the Welsh Government, saw its Qatar Airways service suspended in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic. While the Doha route has since been restored at Heathrow, Gatwick, Manchester, Birmingham and Edinburgh, it remains grounded in Cardiff—five years after it was initially launched with fanfare and ministerial backing.

This week, Davies slammed the Labour-led Welsh Government, saying it had “lost interest” in the airport and failed to protect the significant taxpayer investment that helped bring Qatar Airways to Wales in the first place.

“The Welsh Government have put significant resource into Cardiff Airport over the years, and it’s sad to see that they now seem happy to allow that investment to wither on the vine,” he said.

“Ministers have to roll up their sleeves and get operators back to the airport, and that should start with bringing Qatar Airways back to the Vale of Glamorgan.”

Government distances itself

His comments followed a letter from Economy Secretary Rebecca Evans MS, who confirmed that it is the airport’s executive team—not Welsh ministers—currently handling negotiations with the airline.

“Cardiff Airport… operates in an independent and commercial manner,” Evans wrote. “Ministers do not intervene in the airport’s day-to-day commercial operating matters, nor do they intervene with the operators’ commercial decisions.”

While she added that she would “very much welcome” the route’s return when the time was right, Davies argued that this marked a stark shift from the proactive government approach seen under former First Minister Carwyn Jones, who held direct talks with the airline prior to the 2018 launch.

The former Welsh Conservative leader says that while the government once proudly showcased the Doha route as a cornerstone of Wales’ international strategy, it now appears to be washing its hands of responsibility.

A route of strategic significance

The Cardiff–Doha route was promoted as a gateway to Asia, Australasia and the Middle East. The Welsh Government entered into a £1.5 million marketing partnership with Qatar Airways through Visit Wales to build tourism and trade links—particularly from Australia, India, China and Japan.

At the time, Carwyn Jones described the deal as “a huge boost” for the Welsh economy. The inaugural flight was met with a red carpet welcome and extensive media coverage.

But the pandemic brought the service to a halt in March 2020. Since then, airlines have returned to every other UK airport they served—except Cardiff.

Despite reports that negotiations with Qatar Airways remain “ongoing and positive”, there has been no confirmation of a timeline for resumption, and public pressure is growing for answers.

Publicly owned, publicly scrutinised

Cardiff Airport was purchased by the Welsh Government in 2013 for £52 million and has received over £130 million in additional support since. Passenger numbers have rebounded more slowly than elsewhere, with 2024 figures still well below the pre-COVID peak of 1.65 million.

In recent years, critics have questioned whether the airport is delivering value for money. Davies’ latest intervention plays into wider scrutiny of the government’s arm’s-length approach, particularly when it comes to long-haul connections and international growth.

“Cardiff Airport is a large employer in the area, and it should be a viable international airport for passengers from the Vale, Cardiff, Bridgend and elsewhere to use,” Davies added. “Unfortunately, it seems the Welsh Government are happy to sit back and watch it decline.”

What happens next?

While the Welsh Government insists the airport’s commercial matters lie outside its direct control, opposition parties and aviation stakeholders are calling for a clearer strategy to bring key routes back to life.

For now, the future of the Qatar Airways service—once a flagship link for Wales—remains uncertain, with the only confirmed fact being that negotiations are continuing, quietly, behind closed doors.

Business

Cardiff Airport announces special Air France flights for Six Nations

Published

3 hours ago

December 4, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Direct services to Paris-Charles de Gaulle launched to cater for Welsh supporters, French fans and couples planning a Valentine’s getaway

CARDIFF AIRPORT and Air France have unveiled a series of special direct flights between Cardiff (CWL) and Paris-Charles de Gaulle (CDG) scheduled for February 2026.

Timed to coincide with two major dates — the Wales v France Six Nations clash on Saturday 15 February and Valentine’s weekend — the flights are designed to offer supporters and holidaymakers an easy link between the two capitals.

For travelling French rugby fans, the services provide a straightforward route into Wales ahead of match day at the Principality Stadium, when Cardiff will once again be transformed by the colour, noise and passion that accompanies one of the tournament’s most eagerly awaited fixtures.

For Welsh passengers, the additional flights offer a seamless escape to Paris for Valentine’s Day, as well as opportunities for short breaks and onward travel via Air France’s wider global network.

Cardiff Airport CEO Jon Bridge said: “We’re thrilled to offer direct flights to such a vibrant and exciting city for Valentine’s weekend. Cardiff Airport is expanding its reach and giving customers fantastic travel options. We’ve listened to passenger demand and are delighted to make this opportunity possible. There is more to come from Cardiff.”

Tickets are already on sale via the Air France website and through travel agents.

Special flight schedule

Paris (CDG) → Cardiff (CWL):

13 February 2026: AF4148 departs 17:00 (arrives 17:30)
14 February 2026: AF4148 departs 14:00 (arrives 14:30)
15 February 2026: AF4148 departs 08:00 (arrives 08:30)
15 February 2026: AF4150 departs 19:40 (arrives 20:10)
16 February 2026: AF4148 departs 08:00 (arrives 08:30)
16 February 2026: AF4150 departs 16:30 (arrives 17:00)

Cardiff (CWL) → Paris (CDG):

13 February 2026: AF4149 departs 18:20 (arrives 20:50)
14 February 2026: AF4149 departs 15:20 (arrives 17:50)
15 February 2026: AF4149 departs 09:20 (arrives 11:50)
15 February 2026: AF4151 departs 21:00 (arrives 23:30)
16 February 2026: AF4149 departs 09:20 (arrives 11:50)
16 February 2026: AF4151 departs 17:50 (arrives 20:20)

Business

Cwm Deri Vineyard Martletwy holiday lets plans deferred

Published

11 hours ago

December 4, 2025

Bruce Sinclair - Local Democracy Reporter

CALLS to convert a former vineyard restaurant in rural Pembrokeshire which had been recommended for refusal has been given a breathing space by planners.

In an application recommended for refusal at the December meeting of Pembrokeshire County Council’s planning committee, Barry Cadogan sought permission for a farm diversification and expansion of an existing holiday operation through the conversion of the redundant former Cwm Deri vineyard production base and restaurant to three holiday lets at Oaklea, Martletwy.

It was recommended for refusal on the grounds of the open countryside location being contrary to planning policy and there was no evidence submitted that the application would not increase foul flows and that nutrient neutrality in the Pembrokeshire Marine SAC would be achieved within this catchment.

An officer report said that, while the scheme was suggested as a form of farm diversification, no detail had been provided in the form of a business case.

Speaking at the meeting, agent Andrew Vaughan-Harries of Hayston Developments & Planning Ltd, after the committee had enjoyed a seasonal break for mince pies, said of the recommendation for refusal: “I’m a bit grumpy over this one; the client has done everything right, he has talked with the authority and it’s not in retrospect but has had a negative report from your officers.”

He said the former Cwm Deri vineyard had been a very successful business, with a shop and a restaurant catering for ‘100 covers’ before it closed two three years ago when the original owner relocated to Carmarthenshire.

He said Mr Cadogan then bought the site, farming over 36 acres and running a small campsite of 20 spaces, but didn’t wish to run a café or a wine shop; arguing the “beautiful kitchen” and facilities would easily convert to holiday let use.

He said a “common sense approach” showed a septic tank that could cope with a restaurant of “100 covers” could cope with three holiday lets, describing the nitrates issue as “a red herring”.

He suggested a deferral for further information to be provided by the applicant, adding: “This is a big, missed opportunity if we just kick this out today, there’s a building sitting there not creating any jobs.”

On the ‘open countryside’ argument, he said that while many viewed Martletwy as “a little bit in the sticks” there was already permission for the campsite, and the restaurant, and the Bluestone holiday park and the Wild Lakes water park were roughly a mile or so away.

He said converting the former restaurant would “be an asset to bring it over to tourism,” adding: “We don’t all want to stay in Tenby or the Ty Hotel in Milford Haven.”

While Cllr Nick Neuman felt the nutrients issue could be overcome, Cllr Michael Williams warned the application was “clearly outside policy,” recommending it be refused.

A counter-proposal, by Cllr Tony Wilcox, called for a site visit before any decision was made, the application returning to a future committee; members voting seven to three in favour of that.

Business

Welsh Govt shifts stance on business rates after pressure from S4C and Herald

Published

21 hours ago

December 3, 2025

Sarah-Jane Absalom

Ministers release unexpected statement 48 hours after widespread concern highlighted in Welsh media

THE WELSH GOVERNMENT has announced a new package of tapered business rates relief for 2026-27, in a move that follows sustained pressure from Welsh media — including S4C Newyddion and The Pembrokeshire Herald — over the impact of revaluation on small businesses.

In Milford Haven, the hard-pressed pub sector is already feeling the impact: the annual bill for The Lord Kitchener is rising from £5,000 to £15,000, while rates at the Kimberley Public House have nearly doubled from £10,500 to £19,500. The Imperial Hall’s rates are increasing from £5,800 to £9,200, prompting director Lee Bridges to question why businesses “are being asked to pay more when we use less services”. In Haverfordwest, the annual rates bill for Eddie’s Nightclub is increasing from £57,000 to £61,500.

A written statement, issued suddenly on Wednesday afternoon, confirms that ministers will introduce a transitional “tapering mechanism” to soften steep increases for tourism, hospitality and small independent operators. Full details will be published with the draft Budget later this month.

The announcement comes less than two days after The Herald’s in-depth reporting brought forward direct concerns from Pembrokeshire business owners and councillors, highlighting the uncertainty facing one of Wales’ most important local industries.

Herald reporting credited by senior councillor

Pembrokeshire County Council Independent Group Leader Cllr Huw Carnhuan Murphy publicly thanked The Herald for pushing the issue into the spotlight.

In a statement shared on Wednesday, Cllr Murphy said: “Welcome news from Welsh Government. Thanks to Tom Sinclair for running this important item in the Herald in relation to the revaluation of businesses and the consequences it will have for many.

He added: “Newyddion S4C hefyd am redeg y stori pwysig yma ynghylch trethi busnes.,” which in English is “and thanks to S4C Newyddion as well for running this important story about business taxes.”

He added that the Independent Group “will always campaign to support our tourism and agriculture industry, on which so many residents rely within Pembrokeshire”.

Media spotlight increased pressure on Cardiff Bay

On Monday, ministers said business rates plans would be outlined “within the next two weeks”.
By Wednesday afternoon — following prominent coverage on S4C and continued pressure from The Herald — Welsh Government released an early written statement outlining new support.

Industry sources told The Herald they believed the level of public concern, amplified by the media, “forced the issue up the agenda much faster than expected”.

A cautious welcome for ‘better than nothing’

Cllr Murphy welcomed the partial support, though he stressed it fell short of what many businesses had hoped for.

“This isn’t the level of support many were hoping for,” he said, “but it is certainly much better than nothing.”

Draft Budget expected soon

The full tapered support scheme will be detailed in the Welsh Government draft Budget, expected within a fortnight.

Tourism and hospitality representatives have reserved final judgment until the figures are published, but many have expressed relief that some support will continue, following weeks of uncertainty.