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BBC Wales News political reporter David Deans reported that Bristol Airport has initiated a legal challenge against the Welsh government’s plan to subsidize Cardiff Airport with £205m. The Welsh government, who owns Cardiff Airport, intends to use the funds over a decade to enhance passenger numbers and airport facilities. Bristol Airport criticized the subsidy, stating that it would surpass Cardiff Airport’s annual turnover each year for the planned duration.
Since the Welsh government acquired Cardiff Airport in 2013, it has received millions in loans and grants totaling £179.6m by 2024. The additional funding aims to help Cardiff Airport draw two million passengers annually and enhance its maintenance, cargo, and aviation services. Some of the subsidy has already been allocated, with £20m provided for the current financial year.
Economy Secretary Rebecca Evans reiterated that her government would contest Bristol’s legal challenge. The Competition Appeal Tribunal confirmed Bristol’s opposition to the decision, citing concerns about market distortions and the unprecedented level of public subsidy. Conservative Senedd member Sam Rowlands raised questions about the substantial amount of money allocated, particularly as passenger numbers have yet to reach pre-pandemic levels. He urged the government to acknowledge the current approach’s shortcomings and consider selling the airport.
Bristol Airport criticized the total state funding Cardiff Airport received since nationalization, equating to £286 per household in Wales. However, Evans presented a different perspective, highlighting that over 22 years, the support amounted to just £13 per household annually or less than £6 per citizen in Wales. She emphasized the economic significance of Cardiff Airport in the south Wales region, with thousands of jobs linked to the airport and the related economic ecosystem. Evans expressed confidence that with appropriate investment, the airport could further contribute to the economy’s growth
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