Welsh Conservatives welcome WIZZ Air announcement

The Welsh Conservative spokesperson on Transport – Russell George MS – has welcomed the news today (December 3) about an airline to start operations from Cardiff Airport as a “shot in the arm for the sector”, adding that it “vindicates what Welsh Conservatives have long called for”.

WIZZ Air, an ultra-low-cost airline with its head office in Budapest, has recently expanded its bases in the UK at Gatwick and Doncaster Airports, adding to its operations from London Luton Airport. It will offer nine new routes from Cardiff with a single Airbus A321, with year-round routes mostly to sun destinations.

Mr George, who is Shadow Minister for Economy, Business and Infrastructure, said:

“This really is a shot in the arm for the sector in Wales and the south of the country particularly, and especially as an estimated 40 direct jobs and more than 200 indirect ones could stem from it.

“It also vindicates what Welsh Conservatives have long called for.

“Earlier this year, I outlined our plan for Cardiff Airport, which, after the hammering wrought by the pandemic and lockdowns, is more relevant than ever. Budget airlines are one of those areas the airport could get back on its feet with.

“State-owned Cardiff Airport is by no means out of the woods yet, but this might be a step on a long road to recovery.”