LAWYERS acting for the Welsh Government have defended a £205.2m subsidy for Cardiff Airport during a hearing before the Competition Appeal Tribunal, rejecting claims the support package is illegal or anti-competitive.

The ten-year funding deal, announced last year, is designed to expand routes, improve infrastructure and attract new airlines to Wales’ national airport.

But Bristol Airport has launched a legal challenge, arguing the subsidy distorts competition and gives Cardiff an unfair advantage.

During the hearing, government barrister George Peretz KC described the investment as “ambitious” and said it would deliver “much wider benefits to the Welsh economy”.

He told the tribunal the funding was not a rescue package for a struggling airport.

“This goes way beyond the survival, or not, of Cardiff Airport,” he said. “It is something much more ambitious.”

Route incentives defended

Around half of the £205.2m fund is earmarked for route development, aimed at encouraging airlines to open new services.

Bristol Airport claims these payments could unfairly entice carriers away from the South West of England.

But the Welsh Government said such incentives are standard practice across the aviation sector.

“If airports want to attract airlines, this is the game they have to get into,” the tribunal heard. “All airports offer front-loaded incentives on a commercial basis.”

Passenger cost disputed

Bristol Airport also argued that the package effectively equates to taxpayers contributing £71.50 per passenger.

However, Peretz said those calculations were misleading and failed to account for wider economic spending by passengers using Cardiff.

Ministers have already committed £20m in the current financial year, with the remaining funding to be phased over the next decade. Plans include new maintenance facilities, hangars and increased cargo capacity.

Decision pending

Bristol’s barrister, Ewan West KC, told the tribunal the subsidy should be declared unlawful but insisted the airport was “not seeking to drive Cardiff from the market”.

“Competition must be fair and lawful,” he said.

The tribunal, which sat for two days in Cardiff, is expected to reserve judgement until a later date.

If upheld, the decision could shape how far governments can go in supporting regional airports across the UK.

FAMILIES across Wales are being encouraged to rediscover history on their doorstep this February half term, with more than 130 historic sites offering affordable days out.

Cadw, the Welsh Government’s historic environment service, says its castles, abbeys and ancient monuments provide low-cost options for families looking to get out of the house without breaking the bank.

From dramatic medieval fortresses to Roman remains and peaceful abbey ruins, many locations are within easy reach of local communities, making them ideal for a short day trip.

Nearby highlights include Caerphilly Castle, Caernarfon Castle, Raglan Castle, and the Caerleon Roman Baths, each offering a mix of history, open space and hands-on activities.

Good value days out

New visitor research carried out by Cadw shows strong satisfaction among guests. More than 85 per cent rated their visit as good, while nearly two in five said their experience was better than expected.

Families are being encouraged to bring picnics, book tickets online in advance and consider membership options to keep costs down, particularly for repeat visits over school holidays.

History brought to life

Several sites now include improved interpretation and interactive elements aimed at younger visitors.

At Caerphilly Castle, recent restoration work has recreated parts of the medieval interior, allowing visitors to step inside spaces such as the Great Hall and gatehouse to see how the fortress would have looked in the thirteenth century.

Meanwhile, children visiting Caerleon can take part in a daily Roman Baths trail where they can touch, smell and explore objects linked to life in Roman Britain.

Quieter winter exploring

Cadw says winter can be one of the best times to visit, with fewer crowds and dramatic seasonal scenery.

Places such as Tintern Abbey, Chepstow Castle, Criccieth Castle, and Valle Crucis Abbey offer peaceful walks alongside striking historic backdrops.

Something close to home

With sites spread across the country, most families will have a Cadw monument within a short drive.

Membership options provide unlimited entry throughout the year, with children admitted free with adult members, alongside shop discounts and reciprocal offers at other UK attractions.

Further details on opening times, events and tickets are available at the Cadw website.

HAVERFORDWEST TOWN COUNCIL is inviting local residents to put themselves forward for two vacant councillor seats, with positions currently available in the Prendergast and Priory wards.

The vacancies will be filled by co-option after no election was called when the casual vacancies were previously advertised.

The Town Council area is divided into five wards – Castle, Garth, Portfield, Prendergast and Priory – and is responsible for managing a range of local facilities and services including recreational play and leisure areas, a sports changing facility and two cemeteries.

Council representatives say they are looking for people who are willing to commit time and energy to serving the community and helping shape decisions that affect the town.

Applicants should be practical, good communicators and able to work as part of a team. No previous council experience is required.

Co-opted councillors take part in meetings, help oversee local projects and represent the interests of residents in their ward.

The closing date for applications is February 27, 2026.

Anyone interested in applying, or wishing to have an informal discussion about the role, can contact the Town Clerk by emailing [email protected].

Further information is available at: www.haverfordwest-tc.gov.uk