Business

Bristol Airport takes legal action over Welsh Government’s £205m Cardiff Airport subsidy

Published

5 months ago

July 12, 2025

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.

Business

Holiday lets allowed to stay at Narberth dairy farm

Published

20 minutes ago

December 5, 2025

Bruce Sinclair - Local Democracy Reporter

A CALL for a Pembrokeshire dairy farm to keep two “alternative” holiday pods sited without permission as a way of diversifying in an uncertain industry has been given the go-ahead.

In an application recommended for approval at the December meeting of Pembrokeshire County Council’s planning committee, Vaynor Farm Ltd sought retrospective permission for the siting of two self-catering holiday accommodation pods at The Cart House, Vaynor Farm, Bethesda, near Narberth as part of a farm diversification enterprise.

It was before committee members as it was recommended for delegated conditional approval by senior officers despite being against the development plan.

Previous retrospective schemes, for two self-catering pods along with an application to retain a shepherd hut accommodation pod at another farm, a part of the Vaynor Farm farm enterprise, were refused in 2023 and 2025, the latter due to “an unjustified and harmful impact on the character and appearance of the open countryside”.

Detailing the current application, an officer report for members said the pods: Vaynor Farm Pod within the garden of The Cart House, and The Paddock Pod, on the edge of a small paddock, were constructed off-site and have been transported to their current locations, with external decking, hot tubs, a barbecue area and car parking provided for each pod.

It added: “A business plan has been submitted with the application, which explains that due to uncertainties associated with dairy farming, the applicant has sought to diversify the farm enterprise to incorporate tourism accommodation.

“The application makes the case that the proposed development represents farm diversification. It is acknowledged that the development has resulted in the provision of an alternative type of holiday accommodation for which it has been demonstrated there is a demand, contributing to the diversity and quality of accommodation available within the county and supporting an existing farm business, with consequent economic and social benefits.

“Evidence has been provided that demonstrates the extent to which the pods have provided income which has been used to support the farm business.

“However, officers consider that should planning permission be granted, a [planning obligation] will be necessary to ensure that the accommodation pods continue to support the farm business and are not separated from it at some future point in time.”

Delegated conditional approval limiting the use and occupation of the self-catering accommodation pods to short term holiday use only was moved by Cllr Brian Hall and unanimously backed by committee members.

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):