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.

A NEW public art trail is turning heads in North Pembrokeshire as sculptures, kinetic installations, and augmented reality artworks transform the coastal towns of Fishguard and Goodwick.

The initiative, called Art Afoot, links the twin towns through a trio of scenic walking routes, using existing paths such as the Goodwick Moor boardwalk, the Marine Walk overlooking Fishguard Harbour and Lower Town, and a community orchard route.

All trails are free, family-friendly and open daily, encouraging locals and visitors alike to explore the area’s rich natural beauty and cultural heritage in an interactive way.

Each of the artworks—many of which were inspired by drawings and ideas gathered through community engagement sessions—tells a story about the area’s unique biodiversity, wildlife, and local history. Highlights include a dramatic steel seahorse sculpture, a kinetic shoal of fish that moves in the wind, and a finely detailed dragonfly installation located within the wetlands.

One of the more playful features is a cut-out board showing traditional Welsh costume, allowing walkers to pose for photos as part of the living artwork. QR codes placed along the trails unlock augmented reality experiences via smartphone, adding another layer of interaction to the journey.

The trail map, which includes both new and existing works—such as the well-known Last Invasion Tapestry displayed at Fishguard Library—is available online and in print from local venues.

Organisers say Art Afoot offers not only a creative boost to the area but also a new way to appreciate Pembrokeshire’s coastal paths and community spaces.

THREE cows had a lucky escape on Monday morning (May 12) after the livestock trailer they were travelling in overturned on the M4 near Pont Abraham.

The incident took place at around 10:38am on the westbound carriageway and involved a pick-up truck towing a livestock box, which flipped onto its side.

Crews from Ammanford and Llanelli fire stations were called to the scene and worked to make the area safe. The animals were successfully transferred into a replacement trailer that was brought in to recover them.

Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service confirmed that the cows were unharmed in the incident. The fire crews left the scene at 11:27am.

The overturned trailer caused temporary disruption to traffic while the road was cleared.

Photo caption:

Lucky escape: Fire crews attended the overturned livestock trailer near Pont Abraham on Monday morning (Pic: MWWFRS)