Business

Major air traffic disruption continues to grip UK airports

Published

2 years ago

August 29, 2023

DESPITE the swift rectification of the air traffic control glitch that wreaked havoc across UK airports, the aftermath continues to unravel with significant disruptions and flight delays still plaguing travellers. Desperate scenes are emerging from across Europe, where numerous British travellers have reported having to sleep on airport floors. Palma witnessed particularly distressing scenes with violent scuffles breaking out amidst the chaos.

Stansted Airport, in a bid to quell rising public anxieties, issued a statement confirming that its operations have returned to a near-normal regime. However, echoing a similar sentiment, East Midlands Airport warned that residual delays and cancellations remain a looming possibility. Both airports advised travellers to stay updated by verifying their flight statuses in advance. Amidst these assurances, Stansted added that some of its terminals may witness above-average traffic as the airline staff endeavour to accommodate disrupted passengers.

On the brighter side, Heathrow’s Terminal 3 has been a beacon of positivity amidst the chaos. Reports suggest that operations are progressing smoothly with minimal disruptions, a stark contrast to yesterday’s scenes of disarray.

Yet, the ripple effects of the UK’s technical snafu are felt beyond its shores. Ireland, heavily reliant on UK’s air traffic control, is grappling with similar disruptions. Aer Lingus, the country’s flag bearer, has sounded alarms over “unavoidable cancellations and delays”, urging passengers to brace for a turbulent travel experience.

Manchester Airport, much like its counterparts, faces the aftermath of yesterday’s glitch. The airport has been actively urging passengers to check their flight details in anticipation of potential hiccups. Adding to the litany of distressed narratives, numerous travellers, including school staff, are confronting extended delays. An anonymous deputy headteacher reported the potential absence of seven of their teaching staff on the school’s reopening day, a testament to the widespread implications of the disruption.

Data has now shed light on the sheer magnitude of yesterday’s disruptions. A staggering 27% of departures and arrivals were cancelled, marking a day of chaos in UK aviation history. Heathrow bore the brunt with the highest number of cancellations, followed closely by Gatwick and Manchester.

In Crete, though holiday representatives have maintained an optimistic front, caution remains the overarching sentiment. Despite current schedules showing minimal delays, contingency plans have been laid out, signalling preparedness for unforeseen disruptions.

Rob Bishton, Interim-Chief Executive at the UK Civil Aviation Authority, weighed in on the debacle, expressing solidarity with the affected travellers. Reassuring the public, he promised that a comprehensive incident report, detailing the cause and impact of the glitch, will soon be provided to the Secretary of State for Transport.

Lifestyle expert, Matthew Harwood at Confused.com travel insurance, comments: “Following yesterday’s UK air traffic control failure, thousands of passengers have been left stranded at airports as their flights have been cancelled or delayed. Glitches have meant that airlines are working hard to get their aircraft’s and staff back onto the right schedules. But this has resulted in major inconveniences for many, and disruption is set to continue.

“If you’re expecting to fly to or from a UK airport over the coming days, you should contact your airline first to check the status of your flight. It’s likely that passengers won’t receive compensation for technical issues outside of the airlines control, but airlines do still have a duty of care. So if your flight is cancelled, you should be offered an alternative flight, or a full refund if this isn’t possible. If delayed, the airline also has an obligation to provide you with food and drink, or accommodation, if necessary.

“If you have comprehensive travel insurance, you may also be able to make a claim for other expenses for your trip. If you need to make a claim but are unsure what to do, our guide on how to claim on your travel insurance can help.”

Business

First wind turbine components arrive as LNG project moves ahead

Published

8 hours ago

December 4, 2025

Tom Sinclair

THE FIRST ship carrying major components for Dragon LNG’s new onshore wind turbines docked at Pembroke Port last week, marking the start of physical deliveries for the multi-million-pound renewable energy project.

The Maltese-registered general cargo vessel Peak Bergen berthed at Pembroke Dock on Wednesday 26^th November, bringing tower sections and other heavy components for the three Enercon turbines that will eventually stand on land adjacent to the existing gas terminal at Waterston.

A second vessel, the Irish-flagged Wilson Flex IV, has arrived in Pembroke Port today (Thursday) carrying the giant rotor blades.

The deliveries follow a successful trial convoy on 25 November, when police-escorted low-loader trailers carried dummy loads along the planned route from the port through Pembroke, past Waterloo roundabout and up the A477 to the Dragon LNG site.

Dragon LNG’s Community and Social Performance Officer, Lynette Round, confirmed the latest movements in emails to the Herald.

“The Peak Bergen arrived last week with the first components,” she said. “We are expecting another delivery tomorrow (Thursday) onboard the Wilson Flex IV. This will be blades and is currently showing an ETA of approximately 03:30.”

The £14.3 million project, approved by Welsh Ministers last year, will see three turbines with a combined capacity of up to 13.5 MW erected on company-owned land next to the LNG terminal. Once operational – expected in late 2026 – they will generate enough electricity to power the entire site, significantly reducing its carbon footprint.

The Weather conditions were favourable for the arrival of the Wilson Flex IV, which was tracking south of the Smalls at midnight.

The abnormal-load convoys carrying the components from the port to Waterston are expected to begin early next year, subject to final police and highway approvals.

A community benefit fund linked to the project will provide for residents in nearby Waterston, Llanstadwell and Neyland.

Further updates will be issued by Dragon LNG as the Port of Milford Haven as the delivery programme continues.

Photo: Martin Cavaney

Business

Cardiff Airport announces special Air France flights for Six Nations

Published

12 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

19 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.