Business

Concern from Bristol Airport as Cardiff eyes £200m in Welsh Government subsidies

Published

1 year ago

October 15, 2024

CARDIFF AIRPORT’S bid for a substantial £205 million government subsidy over the next decade has ignited a fierce debate in the UK aviation sector. This funding, announced by Ken Skates, the Welsh Government’s Cabinet Secretary for Transport, aims to safeguard and potentially expand the 5,000 jobs supported by the airport, which the Welsh Government acquired for £52 million in 2013. The proposed investment would be targeted at attracting new airlines and routes, aiming to elevate passenger numbers to over two million annually and diversify the airport’s revenue streams in areas such as aviation training, sustainable aviation fuel, cargo, and maintenance.

However, Bristol Airport has voiced significant concerns, suggesting that such substantial state aid to Cardiff could create commercial imbalances. Bristol Airport, having handled a record 9.8 million passengers in 2023 compared to Cardiff’s 841,000, fears the subsidy could skew competitive dynamics. The airport argues that the investment might disadvantage it by altering the competitive landscape, potentially impacting its passenger numbers and revenue.

The dispute highlights the growing disparity in performance and strategy between the two airports. Cardiff Airport aims to reach its pre-pandemic annual passenger number of 1.6 million by 2026, focusing on a smaller number of routes, including long-haul flights to major economic centres. In contrast, Bristol Airport has thrived by targeting high-volume tourist traffic and low-cost carriers.

The Welsh Government has submitted its investment plans for Cardiff Airport to the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA), seeking to ensure compliance with the UK’s new public sector subsidy rules. The CMA’s Subsidy Advice Unit (SAU) has issued a non-binding evaluation report that calls for a more detailed assessment of potential competitive impacts. The report suggests that the Welsh Government’s analysis could better address the implications for Bristol Airport and other regional airports, which could also compete for similar activities in the future.

Several other UK airports, including Birmingham and Regional and City Airports, have echoed Bristol’s concerns about potential distortions to competition and investment. However, Gloucestershire Airport has reported no anticipated negative impacts on its operations.

The situation is further complicated by Bristol Airport’s expressed willingness to collaborate with Cardiff Airport in non-competitive areas to cut costs and lessen taxpayer expenses, though it seeks greater transparency in how Cardiff’s proposed subsidy will be allocated.

Responding to the news that Bristol Airport said it is “deeply concerned” over plans by the Welsh Government to provide over £200m in subsidy, Natasha Asghar MS, Welsh Conservative Shadow Transport Minister, said: “Investment in airports – as with any large-scale transport infrastructure – is crucial in order to ensure they are able to grow and thrive. This of course, includes large scale subsidies such as the £206 million proposed support package for Cardiff Airport.

“Whilst I do not dispute this positive injection of investment for Cardiff Airport, I do dispute where it is coming from. It remains my belief that the private sector is the right environment for this vital Welsh transport link to thrive, and that we would see much greater investment, growth and passenger take-up if the competitive free market was utilised.

“We all know that government funding is stretched. A move to the private sector would not only encourage efficiency, competition and attract greater investment and growth for Cardiff Airport, but it would free-up more taxpayer cash to spend in other areas of the budget that so desperately need help under current circumstances.”

In response to the CMA’s findings, Cabinet Secretary for the Economy, Rebecca Evans, has stated that the Welsh Government will take the necessary time to consider the CMA’s feedback before refining its proposed investment program. She promised to update the Senedd once a decision has been reached on how to proceed.

This ongoing saga underscores the challenges facing regional airports in balancing growth ambitions with fair competition, especially in a post-Brexit regulatory environment.

As Cardiff Airport strives to expand its capabilities and service offerings, the outcome of this dispute will have significant implications for regional economic development and the broader UK aviation industry.

Business

First wind turbine components arrive as LNG project moves ahead

Published

11 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

15 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

22 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.