Written question WQ88273

The £42.6m rescue and recovery package the Welsh Government has put in place is designed to enable Cardiff Airport to become self-sustainable and profitable in the future, providing a platform for the airport to diversify the business and increase its freight capacity. Typically, air freight is carried via long haul routes due to the time efficiencies it offers compared to other modes of transport. Global supply chains continue to adapt to changes as a result of the pandemic and the airport board is working hard to attract both freight and passenger opportunities as part of its recovery plan.

Cardiff Airport is a wholly owned subsidiary of the Welsh Government, operated at arms-length as a private limited company. It operates in an independent, commercial manner, makes investment decisions on a wholly commercial basis, and is liable for its own actions and any issues arising from the running of its business.

The services offered at Cardiff Airport, including freight capacity, are a matter for the Airport Board and its airline operators; any decision to introduce new routes, or suspend or change these services, is made at the commercial discretion of the operators. Ministers do not intervene in the airport’s day-to-day commercial operating matters. I meet regularly with the Airport’s executive team to discuss the progress of the recovery plan and strategic opportunities for new passenger and cargo business. 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 – this includes both passenger services and freight movements.

As set out in Llwybr Newydd, the Wales Transport Strategy (WTS), the Welsh Government is developing a new Freight & Logistics Plan for Wales, which will consider, at a strategic level, the kinds of new air cargo opportunities that may be available at Cardiff Airport.