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Wales Online
09-07-2025
- Business
- Wales Online
Bristol Airport launches court bid to stop Cardiff Airport getting more money
Bristol Airport launches court bid to stop Cardiff Airport getting more money The Welsh Government has admitted it has no idea how long the legal challenge will take to resolve The Welsh Government wants to give a further £205m to Cardiff Airport (Image: Western Mail ) The Welsh Government has said it will enter a legal battle over its plans to give a further £205m subsidy to Cardiff Airport. We already knew that lawyers working on behalf of Bristol Airport had written to the Welsh Government about Cardiff Airport but now it has been confirmed Bristol is taking legal action and that the Welsh Government has vowed to "defend" the challenge. In July last year the Welsh Government said it would give up to £206m to the airport across a ten-year period, saying it wanted to grow businesses linked to the airport and increase passenger numbers. That led to a scathing response from Bristol Airport, which you can read about here. In a letter the airport's CEO Dave Lees said the Welsh Government spending £205.2m on the airport was "unprecedented". "This brings the total state funding being awarded to Cardiff Airport since it was nationalised to £286 for every household in Wales," he wrote. For our free daily briefing on the biggest issues facing the nation, sign up to the Wales Matters newsletter here "The proposed subsidy would exceed Cardiff Airport's current annual turnover, in each year of the planned 10-year duration. "No other airport in the UK has ever received anything close to this level of public subsidy, and as such it is unprecedented, and comes on top of the nearly £200m of taxpayers' money already provided to Cardiff Airport." Article continues below The funding could, the airport argued, distort competition, and risks reducing air travel choice for customers, including those living in south Wales. In a statement published today, Wales' economy minister Rebecca Evans wrote: "On 25 June, the Welsh Government received notice that Bristol Airport is challenging the decision of the Welsh Ministers by way of an appeal to the Competition Appeal Tribunal (CAT). A summary of the principal grounds of the legal challenge will be published on the CAT website. "The Welsh Government will defend this legal challenge. Cardiff Airport is of vital importance to the economy of the South Wales region – with thousands of jobs stemming from the airport and the economic ecosystem supported by it." She goes on to say it is not clear how long any legal challenge could take to conclude. "I will update the Senedd when we have clarity over the outcome of the challenge. "I can reassure [Senedd] members that there will be no impact on day-to-day operations at Cardiff Airport during the legal challenge," she adds in her letter. "However, as the Welsh Government is now in a litigation process, Ministers will be limited in what they can provide to the Senedd in terms of updates and responses to questions. It is imperative that we let the independent legal process run its course in proper order." The economy minister added: "The Welsh Government remains very confident that, with the right investment, Cardiff Airport has the potential to make an even greater contribution to our economy, creating additional jobs and further boosting regional GVA. "We share the pride that the people of Wales have in our national Airport and remain steadfast in our support for its future. We will fight for our ability to invest in its long-term prosperity and shape its economic destiny." Speaking in the Senedd after issuing that statement, Ms Evans was asked by Conservative MS Sam Rowlands when the Welsh Government would "sell the airport to someone who actually knows what they are doing". Ms Evans said the ongoing appeal meant she could not discuss the case at length, but she said the airport was important to the economy of south Wales. "We believe very strongly with the right investment the airport has the potential to make an even greater contribution to the economy," she said. She said the Welsh Government had "confidence" in the airport's economic growth potential. Article continues below
Scottish Sun
11-06-2025
- Automotive
- Scottish Sun
Sham parking firms fail to return 20 cars to Brit holidaymakers leaving them stranded at major UK airport
Some of the cars were left undrivable PARK AND HIDE Sham parking firms fail to return 20 cars to Brit holidaymakers leaving them stranded at major UK airport BRIT holidaymakers were left marooned at an airport after finding their cars missing. They left their motors with rogue parking firms who failed to return them. Advertisement 3 Bristol Airport terminal Credit: Alamy 3 One of the cars seized during the operation targeting unofficial parking companies near Bristol Airport Credit: SWNS Homebound Brits were left stranded upon their arrival back in the UK at Bristol Airport, after 20 cars failed to be returned to their owners. Police have launched a crackdown operation against these unofficial 'companies' after receiving numerous complaints. The reports to the police detailed vehicles sustaining damage and unaccounted extra miles on the clock. The airport's policing team collaborated with the Immigration Enforcement Team, North Somerset Council and the Motor Insurance Bureau during an enforcement day on June 3. Advertisement The forces discovered 20 vehicles which had not been returned to their rightful owners. Consequently, many were left marooned at Bristol Airport for hours waiting for their cars to be recovered before they could get back home. Some of those unable to leave the airport were families with young children. The officer in the case supporting the operation, Sgt Danielle Hardaway said: "The last thing anyone wants is the worry over whether their car will be returned to them or not when they return from holiday. Advertisement "This operation was carried out as part of our commitment to keep the airport safe, maintain vehicle standards, and to promote the safety of passengers going to and from the airport, who should be able to do so with confidence in using licensed vehicles. "We have had reports of cars being returned damaged or with excess mileage and, in some cases, have been driven by people who are uninsured as well as being involved in driving offences." The cars have now been returned to their owners by the police. However many of them were found to be in undrivable or unroadworthy conditions. Advertisement Avon and Somerset police even reported that some cars had been left in hazardous or obstructive places around nearby villages - such that they required towing. The police have issued a photo which shows one customer's car being used to distribute keys around the local areas. In the picture, keys are piled on the front seat and in the footwell, which poses a threat risk. Following the operation, investigations are underway into three unlicensed 'taxis' and other suspected offences including no insurance, immigration, and licensing issues. Advertisement Dave Lees, Chief Executive, Bristol Airport, said: "We welcome this latest operation and will continue to work with colleagues at Avon and Somerset Police and North Somerset Council to tackle these rogue operators. "They are a nuisance to local communities and cause distress to customers who use them – with many completely unaware of where their cars end up. "We urge everyone to look for the Park Mark accreditation, which all of our car parks have, so they have the peace of mind knowing their vehicle is safely parked while they enjoy their trip away. "We also ask our customers to be respectful of our neighbours and not to park or drop off outside their houses or drop litter." Advertisement Sgt Hardaway also offered some guidance to holidaymakers to avoid this happening in future: "We are now in the summer months and therefore a busy holiday season for both travellers and Bristol Airport alike. "We ask people to always choose reputable parking operators, and to choose them carefully, and if the price seems too good to be true, then it often is." "We advise people, when booking parking anywhere, to look for the British Parking Association's police-backed Park Mark Safer Parking scheme." 3 Photo from police showing keys piled on the front seat Credit: SWNS
The Irish Sun
11-06-2025
- Automotive
- The Irish Sun
Sham parking firms fail to return 20 cars to Brit holidaymakers leaving them stranded at major UK airport
BRIT holidaymakers were left marooned at an airport after finding their cars missing. They left their motors with rogue Advertisement 3 Bristol Airport terminal Credit: Alamy 3 One of the cars seized during the operation targeting unofficial parking companies near Bristol Airport Credit: SWNS Homebound Brits were left stranded upon their arrival back in the UK at Police have launched a crackdown operation against these unofficial 'companies' after receiving numerous complaints. The reports to the police detailed vehicles sustaining damage and The airport's policing team collaborated with the Advertisement Read more Motors The forces discovered 20 vehicles which had not been returned to their rightful owners. Consequently, many were left marooned at Bristol Airport for hours waiting for their cars to be recovered before they could get back home. Some of those unable to leave the airport were families with young children. The officer in the case supporting the operation, Sgt Danielle Hardaway said: "The last thing anyone wants is the worry over whether their car will be returned to them or not when they return from Advertisement Most read in Motors Exclusive "This operation was carried out as part of our commitment to keep the airport safe, maintain "We have had reports of cars being returned damaged or with excess mileage and, in some cases, have been driven by people who are The cars have now been returned to their owners by the police. However many of them were found to be in Advertisement The police have issued a photo which shows one customer's car being used to distribute keys around the local areas. In the picture, keys are piled on the front seat and in the footwell, which poses a threat risk. Following the operation, investigations are underway into three unlicensed Advertisement Dave Lees, Chief Executive, Bristol Airport, said: "We welcome this latest operation and will continue to work with colleagues at Avon and Somerset Police and North Somerset Council to tackle these rogue operators. "They are a nuisance to local communities and cause distress to customers who use them – with many completely unaware of where their cars end up. "We urge everyone to look for the "We also ask our customers to be respectful of our Advertisement Sgt Hardaway also offered some guidance to "We ask people to always choose reputable parking operators, and to choose them carefully, and if the price seems too good to be true, then it often is." "We advise people, when booking parking anywhere, to look for the British Parking Association's police-backed Park Mark Safer Parking scheme." 3 Photo from police showing keys piled on the front seat Credit: SWNS Advertisement
South Wales Argus
20-05-2025
- Business
- South Wales Argus
Bristol Airport is taking legal action against the Welsh Government
A letter written to the Welsh Government on behalf of Bristol Airport demands information on their £205 million subsidy for Cardiff Airport. The letter comes in response to news that the cost for the state funding of Cardiff Airport is set to increase to £286 per household. In a 'scathing letter' to Welsh Government Minister Rebecca Evans MS, Bristol Airport highlighted how the proposed subsidy would exceed Cardiff Airport's current annual turnover. Bristol Airport said the funding over the 10-year period has potential to distort competition, and risks reducing air travel choice for customers, including those living in South Wales. Bristol Airport is taking legal action against the Welsh Government (Image: NQ) Dave Lees, Chief Executive Officer at Bristol Airport, raised concern over Welsh Government's refusal to detail sufficient information on the public subsidy and how it will be spent. Mr Lees said: 'We have publicly called for details to be urgently made available on the proposed subsidy including the benefits it will deliver, what alternatives have been considered, how the impacts have been assessed, in the context of the significant additional cost burden to the taxpayer in Wales. 'There have been repeated attempts by Members of the Senedd and others to seek further detail on how Welsh Government intends to respond to the concerns raised in the CMA assessment has also been unsuccessful, resulting in a serious lack of transparency around this unprecedented subsidy in UK aviation, which is being funded at great expense by the taxpayer. 'It is therefore appropriate for our legal team to make a formal pre-application request to the Welsh Government for more detailed information on the proposed subsidy, as there has been insufficient detail published or shared to date to fully understand how the subsidy will be used.' The chief executive of Regional & City Airports, which is responsible for Bournemouth and Exeter, also criticised Welsh Government's plans. Andrew Bell said it: 'raises fundamental questions about fairness, transparency, and the strategic direction of regional aviation policy in the UK.'
Wales Online
14-05-2025
- Business
- Wales Online
Bristol Airport 'should mind their own business' as answers are demanded over Cardiff subsidy
Bristol Airport 'should mind their own business' as answers are demanded over Cardiff subsidy Bristol Airport has written to the Welsh Government demanding more information on the £205 million subsidy for Cardiff Airport, which has been described as 'unprecedented' Cardiff Airport (Image: Cardiff Airport ) Solicitors representing Bristol Airport have approached the Welsh Government demanding further details regarding its £205 million subsidy allocation for Cardiff Airport. And Wales Online readers have been discussing the issue in our comments section. News last week that Welsh households would see state support for Cardiff Airport increase to £286 per household ignited controversy. In a letter addressed to Welsh Government Finance Minister Rebecca Evans MS, Bristol Airport pointed out that the funding would surpass Cardiff Airport's yearly turnover and was set to last for the next decade, supplementing the nearly £200 million already paid by taxpayers to Cardiff Airport. Bristol Airport has cautioned that the decade-long financial support could affect market dynamics, potentially narrowing air travel options for consumers, particularly those living in south Wales. For our free daily briefing on the biggest issues facing the nation, sign up to the Wales Matters newsletter here Bristol Airport CEO Dave Lees citied concerns about the Welsh Government providing inadequate details on the public grant and its intended use – this, despite the Competition and Markets Authority raising significant points of contention, such as "unevidenced assumptions". In a statement, Mr Lees declared: "We have publicly called for details to be urgently made available on the proposed subsidy including the benefits it will deliver, what alternatives have been considered, how the impacts have been assessed, in the context of the significant additional cost burden to the taxpayer in Wales. "There have been repeated attempts by members of the Senedd and others to seek further detail on how Welsh Government intends to respond to the concerns raised in the CMA assessment has also been unsuccessful, resulting in a serious lack of transparency around this unprecedented subsidy in UK aviation, which is being funded at great expense by the taxpayer." Article continues below CommenterThebear2025 said in response to the issue: 'Bristol Airport should concentrate on getting its own airport in order first. The access and parking is atrocious.' Operaman1b agreed: 'Bristol Airport should mind their own business. They take enough revenue from Cardiff as it is, pure greed from Bristol Airport.' Rodgerthedodger retorted: 'They don't 'take' anything from Cardiff, people just prefer to fly from there. If Cardiff doesn't like that they should make the effort to offer an attractive product. "Neither of those is going to happen. Cardiff has little or no potential. It's in the wrong place, has very poor connections and an owner that has a poor record of managing it. "The only places that it's the 'natural' airport for are south west Cardiff and South Glamorgan. Even if you fix all the obvious problems it will still have a far smaller catchment area than Bristol. The right thing to do is shut both and build a new one within a few miles of the M4/M5 junction.' Gaggsie wondered: 'I don't know why Bristol Airport doesn't want Cardiff Airport to have investment. I welcome the money being spent by the Welsh Government and much prefer flying from Cardiff than Bristol.' StevenBoyd replied: 'Investment is usually with the intention of getting a return. This is pouring money into a hole. Not quite the same thing.' Smartymarty thought: 'If Cardiff airport offered flights to destinations other than the Costas maybe it would see more traffic. If flights are several £100 more than a flight from Bristol or London then people will vote with their wallet.' StevenBoyd added: 'All the spaffing of our money at it, for well over a decade, has failed to produce any 'growth' at all. This isn't 'investment', it comes under the heading 'well that didn't work, let's try this'.' TheBrigadier replied: '£286 subsidy per household is just £28.60 per year over the 10 year period. A good investment I say, to be able to travel from Cardiff rather than an expensive journey to Bristol or other airports.' Darce believed: 'They should have more direct flights to more destinations. For example if I want to travel to New York or pretty much anywhere west from Wales I've got to catch a 1hr flight in the wrong direction, to then wait around to change planes and then double back on myself. Look at any other Capital City in the UK and all provide way more flights and choice of flights than Cardiff.' Darce agreed: 'I'd happily pay up if Cardiff had much better transport access to the airport, a much more varied and regular choice of flights. Not just European destinations but long haul too ie. Caribbean, America's, Middle East. Plus more airport facilities like having a choice of lounges and ones that are open decent hours. Also CWL would benefit from using decent airlines that offer more than just a 3rd class experience. Emirates and BA just to name a few.' Article continues below Do you think investing more money in Cardiff Airport is a smart move? Would you like to see the airport offer more flights? Have your say in our comments section.
