Cross-border row intensifies as Bristol claims unfair advantage

BRISTOL Airport has filed a legal challenge against the Welsh Government over what it calls “unprecedented” public funding for Cardiff Airport, escalating a long-standing dispute over state support and regional air travel.

The legal action, submitted to the UK’s Competition Appeal Tribunal, relates to a £205.2 million subsidy package announced earlier this year to support Cardiff Airport over the next decade. This sum is in addition to nearly £200 million already invested by the Welsh Government since it bought the airport for £52 million in 2013.

Bristol Airport argues that the funding gives Cardiff Airport an unfair competitive advantage, distorting the regional aviation market and potentially shifting passengers and airline services across the Severn without generating net economic growth. It also claims the Welsh Government failed to properly consult or consider alternative views before confirming the funding arrangement.

A spokesperson for Bristol Airport said: “We fully support competition between airports, but it must be fair. This extraordinary level of subsidy risks undermining that.”

Welsh Government defends investment

Rebecca Evans MS, Cabinet Secretary for Economy, confirmed that legal notice had been received and defended the subsidy, describing Cardiff Airport as “a strategic asset” for Wales.

She said: “Cardiff Airport is of vital importance to the South Wales economy, supporting thousands of jobs directly and indirectly. This investment will help the airport grow sustainably and contribute to wider regional prosperity.”

The Welsh Government has repeatedly emphasised its long-term commitment to seeing Cardiff Airport thrive under public ownership, citing the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the aviation sector and the importance of maintaining a national airport.

Political fallout

The Welsh Conservatives have criticised the latest subsidy, calling it poor value for taxpayers and demanding the airport be returned to private hands. In the Senedd, opposition members have questioned why so much public money is being spent on an airport that has struggled to break even.

Cardiff Airport, meanwhile, continues to operate as normal. The management has welcomed the support and said the funding will help maintain services, attract new routes, and improve passenger facilities.

Background

Cardiff Airport has long trailed behind Bristol in terms of passenger numbers, with the English airport handling around 9 million travellers a year compared to Cardiff’s 1.5 million. Bristol has expanded rapidly in recent years, attracting major low-cost carriers, while Cardiff has faced repeated challenges retaining key routes and airlines.

The outcome of the legal challenge could have wide-ranging implications for how devolved governments can support transport infrastructure without breaching UK competition rules. The case is expected to be heard later this year.

Legal experts sceptical about Bristol’s chances

Despite the strong language in Bristol’s complaint, legal observers believe the case is likely to fail. Cardiff Airport is a publicly owned asset, and governments have broad powers to invest in infrastructure they own—especially when it serves a recognised public purpose, such as economic development or regional connectivity.

Under the UK’s post-Brexit Subsidy Control Act 2022, devolved administrations have greater flexibility to provide targeted support, so long as it meets criteria such as necessity and proportionality. Moreover, with Cardiff Airport handling a fraction of Bristol’s passenger volume, it may be difficult to prove that the subsidy causes real distortion in the market.

Unless Bristol can demonstrate direct commercial harm and show that the Welsh Government broke procedural rules, the case is likely to be dismissed.

Support reflects firm’s strong links to rural youth and farming community

ASHMOLE & CO, one of south Wales’ leading bilingual accountancy firms, has announced its sponsorship of the Wales YFC dance competition at this year’s Royal Welsh Show.

The firm, which has been working closely with the farming community since its founding in 1897, is proud to continue its long-standing support for Welsh agriculture and rural youth development. Many of Ashmole & Co’s partners and staff are former or current members of Wales YFC, and the team is passionate about supporting the next generation of farmers.

The dance competition, which the firm is sponsoring, will be held on the main YFC stage at the Royal Welsh Show on Tuesday, July 22, from 1:00pm. The event is one of many highlights for YFC members during the show, with other competitions including shearing, stock judging and flower arranging.

Ceri Llwyd, Partner at Ashmole & Co’s Llandovery and Llandeilo offices, said: “As the Auditor of Wales YFC, we recognise the vital role this bilingual rural youth organisation plays in helping young people grow into confident individuals and future leaders in the agricultural sector. We’ve built a strong relationship with Wales YFC over the years and are delighted to support this exciting competition. I’ll be at the show on Tuesday to cheer on the dancers and show our support.”

The Wales Federation of Young Farmers Clubs (YFC) engages over 5,000 members aged between 10 and 28, along with thousands of supporters and volunteers. Over its 80-year history, more than 210,000 people in Wales have taken part in YFC activities, helping shape vibrant rural communities and empowering young people through training, competitions, and social opportunities.

Mared Rand Jones, Chief Executive Officer of Wales YFC, said: “The Royal Welsh Show is the pinnacle of the year for our members, who will be showcasing their talents across a range of competitions. We are hugely grateful to Ashmole & Co for their ongoing support. As a charity, sponsorship is vital to ensure we can continue offering opportunities for our members to develop and thrive.”

The 2025 Royal Welsh Show takes place from Monday, July 21 to Thursday, July 24 at Llanelwedd. As one of the UK’s premier agricultural events, it features livestock and equine competitions, crafts, forestry, food and drink, countryside sports, and daily entertainment.

FIX AUTO UK has continued its strategic expansion with the addition of Fix Auto Pembrokeshire—a long-established, family-run repair centre based in one of the westernmost parts of Wales.

The new franchise strengthens the network’s presence across the country, bringing its high standards of vehicle repair to a key geographic region and reinforcing Fix Auto’s commitment to national coverage.

Formerly known as Withybush Coachworks Ltd, the business was founded in 1963 and has remained within the same family ever since. Current manager Adrian Haworth worked alongside his father Dave for 11 years before taking over sole responsibility 26 years ago.

Strategically located between Fix Auto Swansea and Fix Auto Aberystwyth, the 8,000 sq ft centre serves the communities of Pembroke, Haverfordwest, Milford Haven, Fishguard, and Cardigan.

Fix Auto Pembrokeshire also becomes the first in the network to carry a ‘shire’ designation—reflecting the vast and rural area it serves, which includes some of the most picturesque coastline in the UK.

Adrian continues to lead the business with the support of his three sons: Will, assistant manager and VDA; Laurie, front-of-house and customer liaison; and Joe, a skilled panel technician. They are supported by four additional technicians, enabling the centre to repair up to 20 vehicles a week, with capacity to grow.

To meet the standards required for joining the Fix Auto network—including achieving BSI10125 certification for standards in vehicle body repair—Adrian has made significant investments in equipment and staff training.

Adrian said: “We’ve happily gone about our work for decades and built a strong reputation locally for high-quality repairs. But being based here in West Wales can feel isolating. I knew we needed to become part of something bigger to futureproof the business. Fix Auto UK brings with it the expertise, structure, and support that will help elevate us into the 21st century.”

“I’m not getting any younger, and I’m lucky to have my sons working alongside me. Joining Fix Auto gives them access to the tools and knowledge they’ll need to keep the business thriving.”

Mark Hutchins, Operations Director for Fix Auto UK, added: “We’re thrilled to welcome Fix Auto Pembrokeshire to the network. Adrian has built a business to be proud of, and now is the right time for it to become part of a wider organisation. His team will benefit from being connected with like-minded repairers across the UK, and we’ll be there to support them every step of the way.”