Bristol Airport has issued a stinging criticism of Welsh Government plans to invest a further £205m into Cardiff AirportNews
Claire Elliott and Wales Online readers
13:40, 06 May 2025
The airline Vueling will be offering more flights from Cardiff Airport to Málaga, Spain(Image: Cardiff Airport)
Bristol Airport has launched a scathing attack on the Welsh Government’s plans to pour an additional £205m into Cardiff Airport, arguing that such a subsidy would be unparalleled in the UK airport sector and unfairly benefit its closest competitor. Wales Online readers have been discussing the issue in our comments section.
The Welsh Government, owner of Cardiff Airport since 2013, insists the investment over the coming ten years will back the airport’s diversification strategy, focusing on areas like aviation maintenance, repair and overhaul, as well as general aviation and boosting freight movements. A portion of the funds is also allocated for drawing new airlines and routes, aiming to push passenger numbers above two million a year within the next decade.
Welsh Government Economy Secretary Rebecca Evans, who oversees the airport, revealed a £20m investment plan earlier this month. The following day, the Welsh Government registered with the UK subsidy transparency database its intention to provide Cardiff Airport with £205.2m in subsidies.
Chief executive of Bristol Airport Dave Lees expressed his concern: “It is deeply concerning that major announcements on the proposed subsidy have all taken place immediately prior to holidays and there was again no attempt to re-engage with Bristol Airport, despite repeated requests.”
Bristol Airport has announced plans to submit a formal pre-application enquiry to the Welsh Government for additional clarity on the prospective subsidy discussed.
A Welsh Government spokesperson said: “We recognise the importance of Cardiff Airport to the Welsh economy and believe very strongly that, with the right investment, the Airport has the potential to make an even greater contribution, creating hundreds of additional jobs and boosting regional GVA (gross value added).”
Commenter Bikelanesnotcancercare thinks: “Every year Wales falls behind, this is proven by facts such as PISA, NHS results etc. Welsh Labour/Plaid constantly throw £millions at Cardiff International Airport, every year airlines cut services. With Wales failing on every measure it is clear that incompetence must be rectified before we spend £200m in convincing RyanAir to fly once a week to a backwater in Greece during the summer!”
BlueBuoy says: “It’s brilliant news that they are looking at the freight side of things, which is a potential gold mine. To achieve results however, they need to put in the infrastructure such as rail lines straight off the main lines and roads straight off the M4.”
Lewbaz is in favour of the grant: “I would much rather use my local airport in Cardiff than be forced to drive over the bridge due to lack of routes out of Cardiff airport. I want to support my local economy by flying from my homeland; instead, I’m forced to waste money on expensive trips to Bristol or even worse, further afield.”
DWithers agrees: “Brilliant news for Wales and the Welsh people it’s been a long time coming.”
Emsee replies: “But after all the taxpayer’s money that has been spent on the airport, it’s still only got a handful of flights a day and nearly all to bucket and spade destinations.”
Marshall1 agrees: “This airport is becoming a complete joke to the Welsh economy. No airport company wants to operate out of there for numerous reasons including poor infrastructure, linkages, demand, the list is endless.”
Trumpismad states: “Mind your own business Bristol, this is Wales not England! Your own airport is a nightmare.!”
M_Lud replies: “It is literally their business. Borders and nationalism have nothing to do with this at all. Cardiff airport has been a failing money pit ever since the WAG’s rather odd decision to purchase it. Bristol airport has every right to question when the state funds its competition. If Westminster chose to throw hundreds of millions of pounds at Bristol airport then the WAG would also rightly have questions. This is our tax money being splashed on this vanity project and we (public) don’t get to ask why!”
Ahrs writes: “If it can be made to work then it’d be nice not to have to travel to Bristol or London. The one time I tried to use it my flight got cancelled. It’s a lovely little airport though, it just needs the investment put into it to make it a preferred destination over airports in England.”
StevenBoyd retorts: “What exactly would you call the hundreds of millions it’s had in ‘investment’ already? It hasn’t worked.”
Jonesyboy27 complains: “Glad the Welsh government is funding hundreds of millions of pounds for a failing airport. The Senedd seems to love wasting money. Sort out the housing crisis and stop putting our council tax up. I am from Cardiff and the condition of the city is awful. Maybe let the Welsh public have a say in the airport and let us vote to keep it or sell it to a private investor.”
Do you think Cardiff Airport deserves more funding? Have your say in our comments section.