Questions raised over airport passenger figures
Welsh Conservatives have welcomed a rise in passengers at Cardiff Airport but questioned Welsh government claims over the site’s ‘stronger position’.
September’s figures – not yet published by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) – reportedly show 150,477 people passed through the terminal in September, up 21 per cent on the previous year.
In September 2010, that figure stood at 162,629 and in September 2009, at 182,248.
Full stats are available at the CAA website (UK Airport Statistics: 2010 – 09, Table 09 Terminal and Transit Pax)
Despite last month’s rise then, passenger numbers are still at least seven per cent down on five years ago – before Labour ministers nationalised the airport.
Welsh Conservative Shadow Minister for Transport, William Graham AM, said:
“September’s increase is welcome – but if Labour ministers are going to make the airport a success – there is still a long, long way to go.
“There were more passengers exactly five years ago – before Labour ownership and before government subsidy – and we need to see a clear Welsh government strategy to ensure it surpasses those levels.
“The Labour government has now spent over 80 million nationalising Cardiff Airport and sustained growth is absolutely critical.
“Better marketing and more routes are urgently required.
“Welsh Conservatives continue to call for swift growth and expansion – followed by the sale of the airport back to the private sector.”
