THE WELSH Conservatives have renewed criticism of the Labour Government’s continued public subsidy of Cardiff Airport, following confirmation that talks with Qatar Airways over restoring the flagship Doha route are still ongoing — but remain shrouded in secrecy.
It comes after a Freedom of Information (FOI) request revealed that the Welsh Government, Cardiff Airport and Qatar Airways have been in correspondence about the planned resumption of the long-haul service. However, the Government has refused to release any of the documents, citing commercial confidentiality.
Cardiff Airport’s press office confirmed to The Herald on May 1 that talks with the Qatari airline remain “positive”, but said there was “no update” on a return date.
The FOI response from Welsh Government officials, dated November 2024, confirmed that emails and letters between all parties exist, but the details were withheld under a public interest exemption — prompting questions over transparency and how taxpayer money is being used.
Since the airport was nationalised in 2013, the Labour-led Welsh Government has committed nearly £400 million in support, including a recent £206 million package to support post-pandemic recovery and new routes. Opposition parties say this approach lacks scrutiny.
Commenting, Welsh Conservative Shadow Transport Secretary Sam Rowlands MS said: “Labour’s continued mismanagement of Cardiff Airport has seen them pour hundreds of millions of taxpayers’ money into propping up a failing business.
“Despite repeated calls for transparency, they’ve refused to provide answers on how this money will be spent or whether better options — such as private sector partnerships — have been properly explored.
“If taxpayer money is being used to entice airlines like Qatar Airways back to Cardiff, the public has a right to know the terms of those deals.”
The Welsh Government has previously argued that public investment is essential to retain international connectivity for Wales and avoid reliance on English airports such as Bristol. Ministers say they aim to make Cardiff Airport self-sustaining in the long term.
But critics say the lack of openness over strategic negotiations, especially involving foreign carriers, undermines confidence in the airport’s management and public value for money.
The Herald understands that pressure is mounting for an internal review of the FOI decision, as questions remain over whether financial incentives are being offered — and what, if anything, taxpayers can expect in return.
Qatar Airways first launched its Cardiff–Doha route in May 2018, marking a major milestone for the airport. The daily service provided a vital long-haul connection between Wales and the Middle East, linking to over 150 global destinations via Hamad International Airport. The Herald was present to celebrate the first anniversary of the service in 2019, with photos taken at the airport to mark the occasion.
However, the route was suspended in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic and has never resumed.
By contrast, Qatar Airways resumed its Birmingham–Doha service in July 2023 following a three-year pause, with daily flights now operating from the West Midlands. Cardiff remains the only UK route previously served by Qatar Airways that has not returned post-pandemic — a fact that continues to fuel concerns about the airport’s recovery strategy and the Welsh Government’s handling of international partnerships.
