Connect with us
Advertisement
Advertisement

Business

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

Published

on

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

Mathias Dairies makes doorstep delivery a smart choice as fuel costs rise

Published

on

Family-run Pembrokeshire business says more households are turning to regular home deliveries for milk, bread and everyday essentials

RISING fuel costs and the demands of busy modern life are leading more Pembrokeshire households to rethink the way they shop for everyday essentials.

For many families, short trips into town for milk, bread, eggs or other basics can quickly add up in both time and money. In more rural parts of the county, where a car journey is often unavoidable, the cost of repeated trips is becoming an increasing concern.

Mathias Dairies, a long-established family-run business serving Pembrokeshire, says doorstep delivery is proving to be an increasingly practical alternative.

The company has been operating across the county for more than 37 years, delivering fresh milk and a growing range of everyday products direct to customers’ doors, often before the day begins.

What began as a traditional milk round has developed into a wider weekly delivery service. Alongside fresh milk, customers can order bread, eggs, butter, juices, cheeses and oat milk, as well as items including biscuits, compost and seasonal extras.

For households in outlying areas, the service can remove the need for repeated short journeys during the week, offering a simpler way to keep cupboards and fridges stocked with everyday basics.

Customers have praised the service for its reliability and convenience.

One customer said: “Never miss a delivery brilliant service.”

Another added: “We don’t have to keep running into town anymore for basics.”

A third described it as: “Proper old-school service, but exactly what modern life needs.”

Mathias Dairies says its service is designed to fit around customers’ routines, with flexible ordering and no delivery charge.

At a time when fuel prices remain a concern for many households, the business believes doorstep delivery is no longer simply a nostalgic throwback, but a sensible and cost-effective option for modern family life.

By combining traditional service with a wider range of household essentials, the company continues to offer Pembrokeshire residents a reliable alternative to unnecessary travel.

To arrange a delivery, contact Mathias Dairies on 01437 731777 or email [email protected]. The business can also be contacted through its Facebook page, Mathias Dairies – Pembrokeshire.

 

Continue Reading

Business

Council and Ogi invest in future-ready connectivity at Pembrokeshire Innovation Centre

Published

on

Upgrade at Bridge Innovation Centre aims to give local businesses faster, more reliable and scalable digital infrastructure

PEMBROKESHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL and Welsh broadband provider Ogi have invested in a major full fibre upgrade at Pembroke Dock’s Bridge Innovation Centre, in a move aimed at supporting business growth and strengthening the county’s digital infrastructure.

The project, announced under embargo until Thursday (Apr 16), replaces the site’s ageing legacy connection with a dedicated business-grade full fibre network designed to meet the needs of modern companies.

A high-capacity symmetrical core connection has been installed, supported by a secondary fibre route to improve resilience. The upgrade is intended to give businesses based at the centre the reliability and capacity they increasingly need as standard.

Ogi engineers said that the job took around two and a half weeks, and represented a major project for the installation team.

Full fibre has also been extended throughout the building, with each office now able to access its own dedicated connection. This means businesses can increase their internet speeds as they expand, without the need for further building work or disruption.

Ogi Chief Executive Officer Sally-Anne Skinner said: “Digital infrastructure shouldn’t be something businesses have to worry about. It needs to be dependable, flexible and ready to grow when they are. That’s exactly what we’ve put in place here.”

The new network has also been built with security and resilience in mind. Managed firewall protection, intelligent traffic management and round-the-clock monitoring have been introduced to help keep services secure and performing effectively, while battery backup systems will protect critical equipment during power interruptions.

Shared spaces within the Innovation Centre have also benefited from improved connectivity, with new high-performance WiFi designed to cope with busy working days, events and collaborative use throughout the building.

Pembrokeshire County Council said the investment is about more than simply improving internet speeds. It is also intended to ensure the Bridge Innovation Centre continues to meet the changing needs of businesses at different stages of development.

Peter Lord, the council’s Principal Officer for Business Development, said: “What businesses tell us they value most is confidence. They want to know the infrastructure around them won’t limit their plans – and this investment gives them that reassurance.”

The council believes the upgrade will help strengthen Pembrokeshire’s appeal as a base for ambitious firms looking to grow sustainably while remaining rooted in the local area.

Sally-Anne added: “When the right infrastructure is already in place, it makes staying and growing locally a much easier decision. That’s how you support long-term economic growth – by giving businesses what they need from day one.”

Ogi said the installation forms part of a wider programme to support business communities across Wales through full fibre networks and managed services designed for long-term use in real working environments.

Photo caption:

Bridge Innovation Centre in Pembroke Dock has received a major full fibre connectivity upgrade (Pic: Supplied).

 

Continue Reading

Business

Sauna Uno brings coastal wellness experience to West Wales

Published

on

Bespoke mobile sauna offers sea views, cold-water immersion and private group bookings along the Pembrokeshire coast

A UNIQUE mobile sauna experience is bringing a fresh take on relaxation and wellbeing to the West Wales coast, combining traditional heat therapy with sea air, cold-water immersion and some of the region’s most dramatic views.

Sauna Uno is a custom-built mobile sauna designed to offer guests the benefits of a Nordic-style sauna experience in a striking coastal setting. Operating from selected locations in West Wales, it allows visitors to step from the warmth of a wood-fired sauna into the open air, with the option of a cold plunge or sea swim as part of the ritual.

Set against the backdrop of beaches, cliffs and Atlantic skies, the experience is built around contrast — intense heat followed by cold water, shared conversation followed by quiet reflection, and the comfort of the sauna against the raw beauty of the Pembrokeshire coastline.

Designed for comfort

Inside, Sauna Uno has been carefully designed to create a welcoming and practical space for both individuals and groups. The sauna includes a spacious seating area, large viewing windows, heated changing facilities, and a selection of herbal teas, cold water and natural essential oils to enhance the experience.

The aim is to combine the health benefits of sauna use with the calming effect of the coastal environment, creating something that feels both restorative and memorable.

Its owners say the concept is about more than simply getting warm.

Sauna Uno is intended to offer people the chance to slow down, reconnect with nature and enjoy a moment of calm in a busy world — whether that is after a sea swim, as part of a wellness session, or simply as a social experience with friends.

Popular for groups and private hire

The mobile sauna has proved especially popular for group bookings, with enough space for friends, families and small parties to enjoy the experience together.

Bookings are regularly made for birthdays, private gatherings, group wellness sessions and retreat-style coastal days out. The setting, combined with the shared nature of the sauna experience, has made it an increasingly attractive alternative to more traditional celebrations.

To encourage group celebrations, Sauna Uno is currently offering a ten per cent discount on birthday group bookings.

That offer is expected to appeal to those looking for something a little different — an occasion centred on wellbeing, the outdoors and spending quality time together rather than the usual restaurant or nightlife options.

A growing wellness trend

Sauna culture has grown in popularity across the UK in recent years, with more people turning to heat therapy, cold-water immersion and outdoor wellness experiences as a way to support both physical and mental health.

Regular sauna use is commonly linked to improved circulation, muscle recovery, reduced tension and stress relief. Many enthusiasts also say the combination of heat and cold helps improve mental clarity, resilience and overall wellbeing.

At coastal sites, that effect can be heightened by the surrounding landscape, fresh air and sea views, turning a sauna session into a more immersive experience.

Visitors to Sauna Uno have praised the quality of the heat, the design of the sauna and the peaceful atmosphere created by the coastal locations. Sunset sessions and winter bookings have proved particularly popular, with many describing the combination of hot sauna and cold sea air as both invigorating and deeply calming.

Making the most of the coast

By operating as a mobile unit, Sauna Uno is able to make use of carefully chosen coastal spots across West Wales, bringing the experience closer to the sea and giving guests access to some of the area’s most scenic locations.

For many, that sense of place is what sets it apart.

Rather than being tucked away indoors, Sauna Uno makes the natural environment part of the experience itself — offering a way to enjoy the coast in all seasons, whether under clear skies, in the golden light of sunset, or with wild weather rolling in off the Atlantic.

With interest continuing to grow and weekend sessions often booked in advance, organisers are encouraging people to plan ahead for private hire, birthday bookings and group visits.

To book a session or make an enquiry, search “Sauna Uno” on Google or Facebook, visit sauna-uno.co.uk, or WhatsApp directly on 01437 601205.

Their Facebook page can also be found by searching Sauna Uno.

 

Continue Reading

Community3 hours ago

Family safe after major house fire in Letterston, community told

Memorial hall opened to help those affected after blaze in Station Road area A FAMILY escaped without injury after a...

News6 hours ago

Haverfordwest County AFC escapes winding-up order but ordered to pay costs

Club avoided liquidation in case remained live until it came before a judge at the High Court in London A...

News7 hours ago

Seal pup’s 120km swim ends in rescue and release

Young grey seal found weak at St Brides Bay after remarkable journey from Cornwall is now back in the wild...

Crime8 hours ago

Woman who called for help spared jail over blade offence

Court hears Haverfordwest defendant was in severe mental distress and carrying razors to harm herself A HAVERFORDWEST woman who contacted...

Community11 hours ago

Spitfire latest: Pembrokeshire flypast looks more likely this afternoon

THE LATEST public updates suggest the iconic Spitfire is now expected to leave RAF Valley at around 2:00pm today (Apr...

Crime1 day ago

Romino’s licence revoked after illegal workers found and fire risks exposed

Takeaway in Cardigan ordered to shut by 11:00pm after council hearing backed by immigration officials, police and fire service A...

Crime2 days ago

British Transport Police widens Tenby stabbing inquiry as five arrested

Extra patrols in town as police continue hunt for answers after shocking railway station violence BRITISH TRANSPORT POLICE say their...

News2 days ago

Person taken to hospital after emergency response in Milford Haven

Police say incident began in Hakin before multi-agency search at marina A PERSON was taken to hospital after a major...

Charity2 days ago

Greenacres warns it may have to shut doors to new animals over £24,000 vet bill

Pembrokeshire sanctuary says it is at breaking point and fears devastating consequences if urgent public appeal fails GREENACRES RESCUE has...

News3 days ago

Reform attacks Plaid on spending and immigration ahead of Senedd poll

Party claims Plaid’s plans would strain public finances and increase pressure on services, while rivals insist Wales needs a different...

Popular This Week