More scheduled flights to major European and international destinations must be offered if Cardiff is to become a truly world-class city. That is the message Cardiff council sent in its response to expansion plans produced by Cardiff Airport.
Council chief executive, Byron Davies, said research showed while the number of terminal passengers from Cardiff Airport had risen by 85.5%, between 1996 and 2004, this compared to 230% at local rival Bristol, and 440% at Liverpool. Mr Davies said a strong airport bearing the name of Cardiff could play a major role in enhancing the image and brand of the city and Wales as a location for foreign business investment and tourism.
'The council believes that in order for Cardiff and south-east Wales to be competitive and successful it must have an accessible international airport that provides a wide range of destinations and excellent facilities for passengers. The airport needs to offer more European and international destinations if Cardiff is ever to become a truly world-class city,' he said.
Steve Hodgetts, Cardiff airport's commercial and strategy head of development, said: 'We are pleased the council is supporting our proposals and recognise the airport's importance.'
