World Cup Revenue Lost at Cardiff?
Welsh Conservatives question potential losses as Cymru fans used English airports
Last updated 27th Jan 2023
Cardiff Airport lost out on millions of pounds during the World Cup following a decision by Qatar Airways to pull its services, according to the Welsh Conservatives.
The party estimates around £4.5million pounds was lost to the economy, as Cymru fans used airports in England to travel to the World Cup in Doha.
Qatar Airways hopes to return by next year after suspending flights due to the pandemic.
Welsh Conservative Shadow Transport Minister Natasha Asghar said: “Whilst we understand Covid had an impact on the Airport, it shows a remarkable lack of foresight and inability to plan for the Labour Government to fail to deliver routes to Qatar for Welsh fans to have travelled to the World Cup.
“The deal with Qatar Airways, much celebrated by Labour ministers when struck, was a bit of an odd one to start with – but for the one time when flights would have been in high demand, there were no routes running.
“Now we discover this cost the Welsh economy several million pounds, it raises the question of why didn’t the Labour Government that owns the Airport work with the Qatar Airways to provide routes even if only for a few weeks – they came to pick up the Welsh national team after all.
“This only goes to show that the reason no private buyer can be found for the Airport is because Labour is determined to fly it into the ground – just like its approach to transport across Wales in general, Labour’s strategy for Cardiff Airport is in terminal decline.”
The news comes shortly after Wizz Air said it will cease all operations from Cardiff Airport later this month, less than a year after the first flight left the runway.