Qatar Airways has announced that it is resuming operations from Birmingham airport this July having suspended its routes from both Birmingham and Cardiff at the same time during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Commenting, Welsh Conservative Shadow Transport Minster Minister, Natasha Asghar MS said:
“The choice not to resume operations at the same as Birmingham Airport is disappointing and very concerning, but the Qatar Airways Chief Executive’s comments mean we have hope for the future.
“Getting Qatar Airways returning to Cardiff Airport has to be the upmost priority for Labour’s Transport Minister with the airline attracting passengers and hopefully more carriers to the airport, securing its future.
“Flights from Cardiff on Qatar Airways saw a quarter of passengers travelling for business purposes which is essential for bringing economic prosperity and growth into Wales – these are priorities the Welsh Government cannot miss.”
There is some confusion as to when flights might resume with the Chief Executive of Qatar Airways, Akbar Al Baker, telling the trade press publication Business Travel that its Cardiff route could return this year however, Cardiff Airport is aware that it could be 2024.