Wizz Air

Part of 3. Topical Questions – in the Senedd at 3:33 pm on 11 January 2023.

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Photo of Jane Dodds Jane Dodds Liberal Democrat 3:33, 11 January 2023

I stand here with my tin hat on, because I'm taking a very radical approach, which is I don't think we should support Cardiff Airport staying open at all. Back in 2013, the Lib Dems led calls to prevent the Welsh Government buying the airport from the private sector. The airport seems to be a bottomless pit for taxpayers' cash—cash that could go into public transport. You did say, Minister, that there needs to be a strategy across the country for airports. That is unlikely to happen. We have to make decisions here in Wales, which surely should focus on the most important issue, which is the climate emergency. And airports and flying does not support our ability to tackle the climate.

We heard last night about Wizz Air, and, actually, I did hear on the radio that most people in south Wales are going to Bristol Airport to fly. So, they're actually totally bypassing Cardiff now. So, please, I would ask you: how can owning an international airport, and all the carbon emissions that come from it, fit within the important portfolios that you and the Minister are very committed to and have worked so hard on? Thank you. Diolch yn fawr iawn.