More of our Taxes loaned to Cardiff Airport!!!

Adam,

If you cared to do some more research into the longer term planning and potential positive impact the airport development could have, you may take a different viewpoint.

As with many policticians (successful and failed such as yourself) they often take the easy solution for the best short term gain, whilst avoiding the difficult long term decisions.

Cardiff airport has been able to accomodate 747 jumbos since the 80's when it was originally extended. Therefore, the airport already has capacity to cater for jumbos from a landing and take off perspective. The main reasons why the airport has become unattractive to airlines, is that from a logistical perspective, the airport simply can't currently handle significantly increased numbers of passengers through the terminal, the road links are poor and the rail links non existent, so the airport has never been able to compete on a level playing field with other airports.

If you also factor in that the previous owners priced themselves out of the market, by increasing the passenger service charges they charged airlines by 350%, it's clear why changes were required.

Heathrow Terminal

There is also a strong possibility that Cardiff airport could be chosen as a new terminal for Heathrow, which if opted for, would drive the development of a new high speed rail link from Cardiff to London, with transfer times of just 50 minutes.

If this happened the potential impact to the local economy and infrastructure could be huge, with the liklihood of far more businesses then viewing South Wales as a more viable location for business hubs/centres.

Even if this does not happen, just by extending passenger capacity and the terminal itself, along with applying competetive airport charges, new airlines can be attracted to use the airport again, which will also improve the prospects of the economy.

Sometimes you just need to look further than the end of your nose. I think the Welsh Government, for all their failings have got this right. Whether they have the nous to make it work and carry through the plans properly remains to be seen.

Intelligent, well presented and balanced post.

A lot of rubbish is talked about Cardiff Airport and everyone seems to be aviation experts.

The size of the the terminal at the moment is not a problem, only around a million passengers a year are using the airport and the airport has comfortably carried over double that in the past.

People say that Cardiff Airport's landing charges are far too expensive - now there's more rubbish. The airport is very competitive on charges. Both easyJet and Ryanair were offered deals cheaper than Bristol but they are not interested for other reasons which I will highlight later.

One person said we cannot cope with 747's - more rubbish! The airport can cope with 747's, 777's, 787 Dreamliner and the worlds largest passenger aircraft the Airbus A380 recently landed at the airport and Cardiff is a first diversionary airport for British Airways for all these aircraft types.

People state that we need new roads to the airport as it stops people using the airport. Have they ever gone to Bristol it is far worse and yet their passenger numbers have increased dramatically. Another myth !

The reason that airlines wont come in is that they don't think the market here is large enough. Bristol's market is over twice the size of ours and importantly they are have more disposable income.

The airport has seen passenger numbers improve this year because there has been more competition on certain routes and this has driven down prices and not so many Welsh passengers have therefore needed to go to Bristol as fares on certain routes have been cheaper here. We have for the first time in 4 yrs got winter sports flights from Cardiff so let's hope they are supported, though I think they might struggle as people in South Wales do not have the incomes to afford two holidays a year.

Just to let anyone know that's interested Vueling from Cardiff are offering flights from £25 each way to Barcelona, Palma, Alicante and Malaga. You will not get that fare on every flight but if you pick the right dates you can ( I have )

The Welsh Government have to think hard before they make stupid decisions at the airport like just spending half million recently on few pics and giant cabin bag to decorate an arrivals corridor - bloody stupid. Let's get more flights going to more places giving passengers more choices and when we reach 2 million passengers then start thinking about the terminal.

When I mentioned choice I should mention that we could have had direct flights from Cardiff to New York with Delta Airlines a few years ago. The airport agreed with Delta to waive landing charges for 3 yrs. The Welsh Government commissioned a report from York Aviation and were advised to back it and it would be positive contributor to the Welsh economy but Carwyn sat on the report for 4yrs. Same thing happened to a direct service to Dubai, the Welsh Government pissed Emirates off and they decided to use Newcastle instead where the North East Developement Board gave them a warm welcome.

A lot of rubbish is talked about Cardiff Airport and everyone seems to be aviation experts.

The size of the the terminal at the moment is not a problem, only around a million passengers a year are using the airport and the airport has comfortably carried over double that in the past.

People say that Cardiff Airport's landing charges are far too expensive - now there's more rubbish. The airport is very competitive on charges. Both easyJet and Ryanair were offered deals cheaper than Bristol but they are not interested for other reasons which I will highlight later.

One person said we cannot cope with 747's - more rubbish! The airport can cope with 747's, 777's, 787 Dreamliner and the worlds largest passenger aircraft the Airbus A380 recently landed at the airport and Cardiff is a first diversionary airport for British Airways for all these aircraft types.

People state that we need new roads to the airport as it stops people using the airport. Have they ever gone to Bristol it is far worse and yet their passenger numbers have increased dramatically. Another myth !

The reason that airlines wont come in is that they don't think the market here is large enough. Bristol's market is over twice the size of ours and importantly they are have more disposable income.

The airport has seen passenger numbers improve this year because there has been more competition on certain routes and this has driven down prices and not so many Welsh passengers have therefore needed to go to Bristol as fares on certain routes have been cheaper here. We have for the first time in 4 yrs got winter sports flights from Cardiff so let's hope they are supported, though I think they might struggle as people in South Wales do not have the incomes to afford two holidays a year.

Just to let anyone know that's interested Vueling from Cardiff are offering flights from £25 each way to Barcelona, Palma, Alicante and Malaga. You will not get that fare on every flight but if you pick the right dates you can ( I have )

The Welsh Government have to think hard before they make stupid decisions at the airport like just spending half million recently on few pics and giant cabin bag to decorate an arrivals corridor - bloody stupid. Let's get more flights going to more places giving passengers more choices and when we reach 2 million passengers then start thinking about the terminal.

When I mentioned choice I should mention that we could have had direct flights from Cardiff to New York with Delta Airlines a few years ago. The airport agreed with Delta to waive landing charges for 3 yrs. The Welsh Government commissioned a report from York Aviation and were advised to back it and it would be positive contributor to the Welsh economy but Carwyn sat on the report for 4yrs. Same thing happened to a direct service to Dubai, the Welsh Government pissed Emirates off and they decided to use Newcastle instead where the North East Developement Board gave them a warm welcome.

Thanks for presenting an alternative viewpoint. Some good points made, especially with regards to the historical failings of the Welsh Government with regards to not grasping opportunities previously presented.

With regards to the terminal, although you're correct in saying the terminal has capacity to accomodate current passenger levels, it most certainly is not adequate to cater for the numbers of passengers and flights required to make the airport a commercial success.

Without investing in the terminal and other areas, the WG will struggle to encourage new airlines that will want to ensure the passenger experience is satisfactory. New airlines will be reluctant to use Cardiff without some comfort that passengers won't end up sitting on the floor with nothing but a soggy panini to eat. Even with very little passenger traffic, the existing catering and seating facilities are very limited and if there are 2 or 3 sets of passengers at check in, it quickly becomes congested.

With regards to travel links, improvements will make a big difference. the simple introduction of a regular speedy bus shuttle service, passenger numbers have resulted in a significant increase in passenger numbers. Further cost effective solutions will have a positive impact, with a proper rail link being the most important.

With regards to the WG's competence to oversee future development and drive value for money, I'd accept there are question marks. However, I think they are now being advised appropriately, and they have accepted that they have to do far more to encourage businesses to Wales. I also believe they view the Heathrow Terminal 6 option as a possibility, but they need to make the proposal more attractive by displaying they are willing to commit to the airport and make some initial investment to make it more viable.

There are pros and cons with every argument, but Bristol's increased profitability and performance are mostly due to some excellent management and forward thinking. Despite similarly poor travel links, they have still managed to build passenger numbers significantly, but this is not just down to Bristol having a more vibrant economy.

Cardiff Airports success will be down to the stength and skill of management. The WG also has another ace up it's sleave, in that devolved powers mean they could potentially make a pro active decision to reduce airport taxes to zero, or to significantly undercut other airports to give them a competetive edge.

Could debate all day, but the only things everyone can agree on, is that you'll never get a general concensus of opinion backing one option significantly more than another.

Why is it even called Cardiff airport? It's about 15 miles outside of Cardiff FFS! Bridgend International airport would be more accurate.

I speak to airlines and have been in the industry for years and can tell you the only thing they are interested is the market near the airport. If the airport paid airlines a premium to come in they wouldn't as our market is small and we are one of the poorest areas in UK. That's it full stop sorry.

Other than Vueling we cannot attract one new loCo airline and it's all down to our market.

The new bus service will take time to attract passengers. The stats show it is busiest when KLM flights arrive. It is still costing the WG £600.00 per annum though and how long will they be prepared to keep that up.

I forgot to mention the Mon - Fri service from Anglesey to Cardiff which is like an air taxi service for AM's and Senedd staff. That costs the taxpayers £1.3 million a year besides the money they give to MOD to use Valley airfield and they also built the terminal. They say it helps tourism to the island but it does not fly on weekends - it's a joke. WG could have got Delta New York service for a third of that cost.

Last edited by ridofrid on Fri Dec 13, 2013 1:20 pm, edited 1 time in total.

A simple spur off the exsiting railway line into the current car parking areas would solve the train problem.

Why is it even called Cardiff airport? It's about 15 miles outside of Cardiff FFS! Bridgend International airport would be more accurate.

Why is Swansea Airport called such when it is as close to llanelli as it is Swansea?

Swansea airport is a joke it has more potholes than users.

Why is it called Swansea airport when it is not even a proper airport and it's in Fairwood plus the owner sacked a lot of staff in the last few weeks. Only used for pleasure flights, flying school and powered hang gliders and any pigeons that dont mind slumming it

A jumbo did land at Swansea once, but she was the fat bar maid from Sketty Cons club on a sponsored parachute jump.

A jumbo did land at Swansea once, but she was the fat bar maid from Sketty Cons club on a sponsored parachute jump.

That must have caused the huge pothole

Why is it even called Cardiff airport? It's about 15 miles outside of Cardiff FFS! Bridgend International airport would be more accurate.

Why is Swansea Airport called such when it is as close to llanelli as it is Swansea?

Because Swansea airport is on Fairwood common on the Gower. The Gower is part of Swansea, ergo Swansea airport is in Swansea. Cardiff airport isn't even in the same county as Cardiff!

It's not an airport. It has no Customs or immigration staff.

Why do Swansea City fly from Cardiff to Switzerland to lose football matches if they have Swansea International Airport?.

It is a landing strip not an airport More light aircraft use Margam Park and Pembrey.

The ariport is run down, they have done bits and pieces to the arrivals terminals, some looks good, some looks very tacky and done on the cheap a little. This renervation is needed but it wont boost passenger figures, they need more flight.

Flybe pulling the most popular services to Glasgow and Paris is a blow but hopefully someone will pick that up soon.

Edinburgh is the busiest route and Flybe is pulling off that now as well as Glasgow and Paris.

Loganair will now operate the Edinburgh route but with a much smaller aircraft so that will make a difference to passenger figs.

No airline so far has agreed to operate the Glasgow/Cardiff/ Paris operation.

What we also have to remember is that next summer both Thomson and Thomas Cook are basing smaller aircraft at Cardiff so we will be losing 72 pax on every leg they fly.

2014 is going to be a very tough year for Cardiff to even stand still. Thats why they should worry about new route development and not prettying the terminal.

The terminal can, and has handled over double the current passenger numbers

It's not an airport. It has no Customs or immigration staff.

Why do Swansea City fly from Cardiff to Switzerland to lose football matches if they have Swansea International Airport?.

It is a landing strip not an airport More light aircraft use Margam Park and Pembrey.

Swansea, or fairwood airport as it is known locally is a small recreational airport. I've not disputed that. Is is however "in" Swansea. Unlike "Cardiff" or as it should be called, Rhoose airport, which isn't really anywhere near Cardiff.

Edinburgh is the busiest route and Flybe is pulling off that now as well as Glasgow and Paris.

Loganair will now operate the Edinburgh route but with a much smaller aircraft so that will make a difference to passenger figs.

No airline so far has agreed to operate the Glasgow/Cardiff/ Paris operation.

What we also have to remember is that next summer both Thomson and Thomas Cook are basing smaller aircraft at Cardiff so we will be losing 72 pax on every leg they fly.

2014 is going to be a very tough year for Cardiff to even stand still. Thats why they should worry about new route development and not prettying the terminal.

The terminal can, and has handled over double the current passenger numbers

Its pulling the Edi route as well? ouch.

Well I didnt have the figures, but generally the GLA seemed busier but that was just at a glance.

The airport can handle a lot more and did have the staff to do it, the french air lift has the air rammed and and its more than dealt with. Problem is the airport is badly run on so many levels. I loved working at the airport but its not run well, i hope swissport take note and sort it.

Ahhhh, I see our old friend Tragic Flaps is back and judging by his post, still no sign of a girlfriend. I predict another marathon Yuletide World Of Warcraft Wanking session for him yet again. Ho Ho Ho.

WHY BOTHER.. AIRPORT IN BAD LOCATION WITH NO TRANSPORT LINKS, FOGGY TOO IN WINTER. JUST AS QUICK TO GET TO BRISTOL AND BIRMINGHAM FROM MOST PARTS OF WALES INCLUDING THE SOUTH..WITH MUCH BETTER DEALS AND OPTIONS.BRISTOL HAS BAD TRANSPORT LINKS TOO, BUT IT MORE CENTRAL TO EVERYBODY IN THE SOUTHWEST

A lot of rubbish is talked about Cardiff Airport and everyone seems to be aviation experts.

The size of the the terminal at the moment is not a problem, only around a million passengers a year are using the airport and the airport has comfortably carried over double that in the past.

People say that Cardiff Airport's landing charges are far too expensive - now there's more rubbish. The airport is very competitive on charges. Both easyJet and Ryanair were offered deals cheaper than Bristol but they are not interested for other reasons which I will highlight later.

One person said we cannot cope with 747's - more rubbish! The airport can cope with 747's, 777's, 787 Dreamliner and the worlds largest passenger aircraft the Airbus A380 recently landed at the airport and Cardiff is a first diversionary airport for British Airways for all these aircraft types.
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People state that we need new roads to the airport as it stops people using the airport. Have they ever gone to Bristol it is far worse and yet their passenger numbers have increased dramatically. Another myth !

The reason that airlines wont come in is that they don't think the market here is large enough. Bristol's market is over twice the size of ours and importantly they are have more disposable income.

The airport has seen passenger numbers improve this year because there has been more competition on certain routes and this has driven down prices and not so many Welsh passengers have therefore needed to go to Bristol as fares on certain routes have been cheaper here. We have for the first time in 4 yrs got winter sports flights from Cardiff so let's hope they are supported, though I think they might struggle as people in South Wales do not have the incomes to afford two holidays a year.

Just to let anyone know that's interested Vueling from Cardiff are offering flights from £25 each way to Barcelona, Palma, Alicante and Malaga. You will not get that fare on every flight but if you pick the right dates you can ( I have )

The Welsh Government have to think hard before they make stupid decisions at the airport like just spending half million recently on few pics and giant cabin bag to decorate an arrivals corridor - bloody stupid. Let's get more flights going to more places giving passengers more choices and when we reach 2 million passengers then start thinking about the terminal.

When I mentioned choice I should mention that we could have had direct flights from Cardiff to New York with Delta Airlines a few years ago. The airport agreed with Delta to waive landing charges for 3 yrs. The Welsh Government commissioned a report from York Aviation and were advised to back it and it would be positive contributor to the Welsh economy but Carwyn sat on the report for 4yrs. Same thing happened to a direct service to Dubai, the Welsh Government pissed Emirates off and they decided to use Newcastle instead where the North East Developement Board gave them a warm welcome.

United Airlines also wanted to use airport but like you said wag couldn't get off their arses to close deal for sake of pittance compared to possible benefits. Hopefully now they will see errors of their ways.

Why is it even called Cardiff airport? It's about 15 miles outside of Cardiff FFS! Bridgend International airport would be more accurate.

Same reason why Liverpool changed name to John lennon Plus many more have done so,. It's More recognisable as an international status . Hard for you to take but it's reason called Cardiff international airport? Rhoose is not known world wide !!

Why is it even called Cardiff airport? It's about 15 miles outside of Cardiff FFS! Bridgend International airport would be more accurate.

Same reason why Liverpool changed name to John lennon Plus many more have done so,. It's More recognisable as an international status . Hard for you to take but it's reason called Cardiff international airport? Rhoose is not known world wide !!

Why is it even called Cardiff airport? It's about 15 miles outside of Cardiff FFS! Bridgend International airport would be more accurate.

I know exactly why it was done. Typical arrogant Cardiff. Pinches an airport from 15 miles down the road and names it after itself to make itself feel more important than it actually is, and then expects the tax payers of Wales to subsidise it. Ooooh, look at us, we've got an international airport!! No actually, you haven't. Its in Rhoose, in the vale of Glamorgan. Now get your filthy hands off it!

Why is it even called Cardiff airport? It's about 15 miles outside of Cardiff FFS! Bridgend International airport would be more accurate.

Same reason why Liverpool changed name to John lennon Plus many more have done so,. It's More recognisable as an international status . Hard for you to take but it's reason called Cardiff international airport? Rhoose is not known world wide !!

Why is it even called Cardiff airport? It's about 15 miles outside of Cardiff FFS! Bridgend International airport would be more accurate.

I know exactly why it was done. Typical arrogant Cardiff. Pinches an airport from 15 miles down the road and names it after itself to make itself feel more important than it actually is, and then expects the tax payers of Wales to subsidise it. Ooooh, look at us, we've got an international airport!! No actually, you haven't. Its in Rhoose, in the vale of Glamorgan. Now get your filthy hands off it!

Ffs get over it? Its been changed a long time several times in fact as well, simple fact is Cardiff is more saleable to the world than Rhoose or Swansea for that matter! !

Some fantastic points made by ridofrid especially the points about how WAG has pissed many airlines off in the past and the North Wales route is just a route for AMs!!! Unfortunately many of them relate to my point against the WAG buying Cardiff Airport as its a receipe for disastor and its the taxpayers who are paying for it!!!! I bet if it was Carwyn Jones' own personal wealth bidding for it he would have kept well away!!!

Adam, rest assured my honesty or integrity has never been questioned in the local press. You on the other hand, well, probably best not to trawl up your history again. So many question marks???? No smoke without fire and all that.

You're so well versed on the Severnside Airport proposal you can't even spell it.

Thats the problem with many people in Wales that too many believe newspapers like the South Wales Echo yet they don't know that the Labour Party are on their payroll!!! So it is only natural for them to be against anyone in the political public eye who is against the Labour Party.

This Airport just like the Welsh NHS and Schools is showing the public just how rubbish the WAG are!!!

I love Cardiff airport personally and would be sad to see it being closed down as its an airport with no hassle. Straight in, Straight through to security which is a breeze and straight to the bar. No long ques there and on your return back to Wales when you get to the baggage area your not waiting around forever.

I'd much rather Cardiff than Bristol or Gatwick.

I love Cardiff airport personally and would be sad to see it being closed down as its an airport with no hassle. Straight in, Straight through to security which is a breeze and straight to the bar. No long ques there and on your return back to Wales when you get to the baggage area your not waiting around forever.

I'd much rather Cardiff than Bristol or Gatwick.

but alot of your point is around the fact that there's no flights going from there.

Annoucement this morning should end all bollox talk that Cardiff will be another Heathrow Hub and thats excatly what I always said!!!