Concern Airport bosses instruct lawyers over subsidy to rival

BRISTOL Airport has escalated concerns over Welsh Government plans to provide more than £200 million in subsidy support to its nearest rival Cardiff Airport by instructing lawyers.

- Sion BARRY

Last month Bristol Airport's chief executive Dave Lees wrote to Welsh Government Cabinet Secretary with responsibility for the airport in Rhoose, Rebecca Evans, seeking clarification on how it intends to deploy the subsidy backing over a 10-year period.

The Welsh Government acquired the airport from Spanish firm Abertis in 2013 for £52 million. While it is operated at arm's length via a commercial entity, to date - including the acquisition cost - the Welsh Government has invested around £180 million in the loss-making operation.

The Welsh Government said the funding support would help drive a diversification strategy in areas such as aviation maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO), general aviation and increasing freight movements. Some of the funding has also been earmarked to attract new airlines and routes, with the aim of increasing passenger numbers to exceed two million annually over the next decade.