Flybe collapse ‘deeply concerning’ for Cardiff Airport says Plaid’s Helen Mary Jones

PLAID Cymru have said the news of Airline Flybe’s imminent collapse is “deeply concerning” for Cardiff Airport as the struggling carrier is expected to announce it has gone bust.

Two thousand jobs are at risk after the airline’s bid for fresh financial support failed.

Plaid Cymru shadow minister for the economy Helen Mary Jones AM said the news would be “devastating” for the thousands of Flybe staff and expressed her solidarity with them and their families.

Ms Jones added that the consequences of Flybe’s collapse would also be “deeply concerning” for Cardiff Airport and pointed out that they operated the north to south air link in Wales and were the “only direct airline” between Wales and Ireland. Ms Jones said this showed the “scale of the crisis” now facing Cardiff airport.

In 2019, 52% of Cardiff departures were Flybe flights.

The shadow health minister said “serious questions” would now be asked of the Welsh Government and their “due diligence” in awarding funds to the airport “considering Flybe’s fragile financial position” was already public knowledge.

Plaid Cymru AM and shadow minister for the economy Helen Mary Jones said,

“The news of the airline’s collapse will be devastating for the thousands of Flybe’s staff – including the ones based in Cardiff Airport. To the workers – we’re thinking of you and your families and we will do everything we can, including calling upon the UK Government and Welsh Government, to ensure that you are supported.

“The consequences of this announcement for Cardiff Airport is deeply concerning.  Last year, 52% of all Cardiff departures were Flybe flights. They also operate the north to south air link and are the only direct airline between Ireland and Wales. That’s the scale of the crisis now facing Cardiff airport.

“Serious questions will now need to be asked of the Welsh Government and their due diligence in awarding the latest tranche of funds to the airport considering that Flybe’s fragile financial position has been public knowledge for some time.

Plaid Cymru Leader Adam Price added,

“This is extremely concerning news – particularly for people employed in their operation in Cardiff. Plaid Cymru will be seeking urgent answers from the governments in Cardiff and Westminster.