A groundbreaking proposal could see the closure of Cardiff and Bristol airports to pave the way for a new international airport capable of handling 20 million passengers annually.
Writing in Business Live, Economist Joel Strange highlights the significant disparity in Wales’ airport sector compared to the rest of Britain, emphasising that Welsh passengers predominantly rely on English airports.
This, in turn, hampers Wales’ economic potential, as studies indicate a direct link between international airport access and productivity, GDP and employment.
The core issue revolves around where Cardiff Airport is located. The airport is situated over 10 miles from Cardiff city centre and lacks major transport links.
Strange proposes a strategic solution by combining Cardiff and Bristol airports into a single hub near the Severn Bridge, in an effort to create a huge powerhouse airport servicing over 20 million passengers yearly.
The proposed plan could also provide people living nearby increased access to global destinations. And the new airport’s proximity to central Cardiff and Bristol, coupled with improved transport links, could also lower vehicle emissions and traffic.
Strange said: “A powerful idea – and necessary condition – here is one of sharing or pooling airport facilities, in this case with Bristol and south-west England i.e. relocating both Cardiff and Bristol airports to a single site with outstanding surface access links that is optimal from the point of view of the whole of south-west Britain.
“Doing so could create an airport of 20 million plus passengers per year: a real heavyweight facility and one of the largest in the UK outside of London.”
While the potential cost is in the billions, Strange is convinced the benefits of better connecting Wales to the world justifies the idea.
