FIRST MINISTER Eluned Morgan has come under fire for her government’s decision to commit substantial funding to Cardiff Airport, despite widespread concerns about impending cuts to core public services.
The controversy stems from a written statement issued on 20th July by the then Economy Minister, Ken Skates. In this statement, Mr Skates revealed that the Welsh Government plans to invest up to £206 million over the next decade to expand Cardiff Airport’s flight routes, focusing on key regions such as the Middle East, South Asia, the EU, and North America. The aim is to bolster trade links, boost tourism, and enhance global connectivity for Wales.
Plans for tourism and economic growth
In his announcement, Mr Skates emphasised the benefits of this investment, stating: “This greater connectivity will provide an excellent opportunity to grow tourism into Wales and make it significantly easier for potential investors to get to and from the country.” The government projects that the new routes could increase the airport’s annual passenger numbers to over two million within the next ten years.
Alongside expanding flight routes, the planned funding also includes upgrading the airport’s terminal and infrastructure to better accommodate an anticipated influx of passengers. Efforts to reduce the airport’s carbon footprint through these developments were highlighted as a key consideration.
Mr Skates further argued that while the measures taken to support Cardiff Airport during the pandemic had been effective, the airport now lacked the financial resources to stimulate economic development. The proposed £206 million investment, he suggested, could create jobs and drive regional economic growth, yielding benefits that extend well beyond the initial ten-year funding period.
Lack of transparency
Despite the announcement, detailed plans for how the £206 million will be allocated have not been disclosed, with the Welsh Government citing commercial confidentiality. This opacity has sparked criticism from Plaid Cymru MS Delyth Jewell, who chairs the Senedd committee tasked with scrutinising the government’s international strategy.
In a letter to First Minister Eluned Morgan, Ms Jewell raised several pressing questions about the investment, referencing the government’s International Strategy published in 2020. She noted that the strategy emphasised Wales’ global connectivity and the aspiration for Cardiff Airport to become a UK hub for low-carbon aviation.
Key questions raised
Ms Jewell’s letter sought clarification on the timeframe for the investment decision and asked for specifics about which new flight routes were under consideration. She also questioned how these routes align with the International Strategy’s aims to raise Wales’ global profile, grow the economy through exports and inward investment, and foster a globally responsible nation.
Further concerns revolved around the airport’s failure to meet its net-zero carbon target by March 2023, and how this might impact its goal of becoming a centre for low-carbon aviation. Ms Jewell pressed for details on whether the proposed investment would support green initiatives, such as a solar farm or the purchase of electric or hybrid vehicles.
Additionally, she questioned the role of the Welsh Government’s overseas offices in the investment decision and their potential involvement in the airport’s future plans linked to the International Strategy.
Budgetary implications
Highlighting the financial implications, Ms Jewell pointed out that the proposed investment far exceeds the international relations budget of £8.093 million for the current financial year. She queried how the government could justify prioritising the airport investment over other pressing financial needs, including a crisis in arts, culture, and sports sectors.
Her letter also expressed disappointment that the announcement came via a written statement at the start of the summer recess, leaving little opportunity for scrutiny during the previous term. She noted that the former First Minister had appeared at a scrutiny session on 19th June, where the airport’s future had not been discussed, despite specific references to international priorities.
Ms Jewell requested a detailed response from the First Minister by 17th September. However, as of now, no response has been received, adding to concerns about transparency and the government’s decision-making process.
The situation leaves the Welsh Government facing increasing pressure to justify its decision to allocate substantial funds to Cardiff Airport while other sectors brace for cuts. As questions remain unanswered, it raises broader concerns about how the government is balancing economic ambitions with the need for fiscal responsibility and transparency.
