Swansea to Exeter flights on hold after licence suspended

Swansea Airport has lost its licence to fly, scuppering plans to launch its first commercial flights in almost two decades.

Bosses have been planning to start scheduled flights across the Bristol Channel to Exeter from the end of March for the first time since 2004.

But inspectors from the Civil Aviation Authority inspectors have suspended the airport's refuelling licence - and there's also a provisional halt on the operating licence.

The CAA's blamed a "systemic failure of safety management" and has given bosses until the end of the month to submit a "corrective action plan".

Inspectors cited ineffective safety management, inadequate safeguarding of the aerodrome, and an absence of an accountable manager as their reasons for the licence suspension.

Swansea Airport Ltd director Roy Thomas said he would be submitting an action plan and airport staff would focus more on ensuring the 3 mile airport perimeter was secure from grazing animals.

Swansea Airport Ltd took over an existing lease for the airport, at Fairwood Common, Gower, around 20 years ago.

The CAA suspended the operating licence in 2019 on safety grounds, reinstating it two years later.

A spokesperson for Swansea Council said:

"We are aware of the position, are in contact with the CAA and tenant, and are considering the situation."

The flights would allow passengers to travel between the cities in just 35 minutes, instead of a 2 hours 30 minute drive over 145 miles.

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