Written question WQ87775

It remains this Government’s policy objective to secure the long-term future of the Airport. It is vital for Wales’s economic development that we have strong international connectivity to and from Wales as well as a welcoming open door for tourism and major events.

The services and routes offered at Cardiff Airport are a matter for the Airport board and airline operators. Any decision to introduce new routes is made purely at the commercial discretion of operators. Ministers do not intervene with the airport’s day-to-day commercial operating matters.

The airport leadership team is in regular dialogue with many airlines as they continue to develop commercial relationships with those who are actively interested in investing in new air services to Wales. We are very happy with the effective leadership that the Airport board has demonstrated and continues to demonstrate. The progress on recovery of passenger numbers over the last year is testament to their ability to manage an airport in turbulent times.

The Airport is seeing an increase in flights from the airport from companies such as KLM and Ryanair, who have recently announced extra flights to Dublin, Malaga and Faro for summer 2023, and a new year-round route to Belfast. We understand Ryanair recently announced their biggest ever summer of flying from Cardiff and that bookings across all services are looking healthy for the coming spring and summer season, which shows positive signs of recovery.