Bristol Airport challenges rival airport’s government subsidy
Bristol and Cardiff Airports are facing off today in court over the latter’s government subsidy.
Bristol Airport brought the legal challenge, claiming the Welsh Government’s planned £205 million subsidy for Cardiff Airport breaks competition rules.
The tribunal, expected to last two days, will hear from the Welsh Government.
Bristol Airport claims the subsidy amount is unprecedented.
The 10-year subsidy plan was announced last year and the first £20 million is due to be spent on work during this financial year.
The subsidy is for updated maintenance and hangars, boosting cargo capacity and attracting new air routes.
After it was announced, Bristol Airport filed an appeal last summer to challenge it.
Bristol Airport lawyers claim the subsidy is effectively subsidising passengers to fly from Cardiff which puts nearby Bristol Airport at a competitive disadvantage.
Bristol and Cardiff Airports are close, on either side of the England-Wales border, with Bristol likely to argue that it will draw passengers in its own catchment area to Cardiff.
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Editor for TravelMole North America and Asia pacific regions. Ray is a highly experienced (15+ years) skilled journalist and editor predominantly in travel, hospitality and lifestyle working with a huge number of major market-leading brands. He has also cover in-depth news, interviews and features in general business, finance, tech and geopolitical issues for a select few major news outlets and publishers.
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