Exploring Wales: Airports And Their Accessibility

Wales has several airports, including Cardiff Airport, Anglesey Airport, Haverfordwest Airport, and Pembrey West Wales Airport. Cardiff Airport, located in Rhoose, is the only airport in Wales that offers international and commercial passenger services. It is the largest and busiest airport in Wales, serving numerous domestic and international destinations. Anglesey Airport, on the other hand, is a small landing strip that primarily operates as a military base, with year-round flights to Cardiff and seasonal routes to the Isle of Man and Belfast.

Cardiff Airport

Over the years, Cardiff Airport has undergone several name changes and ownership transfers. In 1965, the airport was handed over to Glamorgan County Council and renamed Glamorgan (Rhoose) Airport. The council implemented a development plan that included a new control tower, terminal building, and runway extension. In the 1980s, the airport became Cardiff-Wales Airport, attracting new-generation jet aircraft and establishing transatlantic links.

The airport has faced criticism and challenges, including a decline in passenger numbers and issues with wild fly-grazing horses. However, it has also received investments and support from the Welsh Government, including loans and a significant support package in 2021.

Anglesey Airport

The airport is situated less than two miles from the A55 North Wales Expressway, which connects Holyhead and Chester. The nearest railway station is Valley, and Arriva Bus services link the airport to both Valley and Holyhead.

The passenger terminal at Anglesey Airport is a single-storey building, completed in 2007 at a cost of £1,000,000. It features a check-in desk, departure lounge, baggage handling areas, and other visitor information areas. The terminal also includes a tourist information desk and a small café.

In 2006, the National Assembly for Wales (now the Senedd) proposed a subsidised weekday air service between Anglesey Airport and Cardiff Airport, located 12 miles west of the Welsh capital. The initiative aimed to boost the economy of Anglesey and North Wales. The twice-daily service began in May 2007, with a journey time of around one hour. However, the route was suspended in March 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic and was later permanently withdrawn in June 2022 when the Welsh Government discontinued its subsidy.

Bristol International Airport

The airport has a rich history, having opened in 1957, replacing Bristol (Whitchurch) Airport as the city's municipal airport. It was built on the site of a former RAF airfield and has since undergone several name changes and ownership transfers. From 1997 to 2010, it was known as Bristol International Airport, and during this period, it underwent significant development, including the construction of a new terminal building.

The airport is well-connected to the city and its rail stations by coaches, providing a quick and efficient transfer for passengers. Additionally, passengers have the option to rent a car if preferred. Bristol International Airport continues to expand and improve its facilities, with ongoing development plans to enhance its capacity and better serve its growing number of passengers.

Haverfordwest Airport

Wales has several airports, including Cardiff Airport, Anglesey Airport, Bristol International Airport, and Haverfordwest Airport.

In the past, the airport had three runways: 04/22, 17/35, and 10/28. The airfield was first opened in November 1942 for No. 17 Group RAF of RAF Coastal Command but did not become fully operational until the following year. Several RAF units were based at the airfield during its operational years, including No. 3 (Coastal) Operational Training Unit RAF, No. 7 (Coastal) Operational Training Unit RAF (later renamed No. 4 Refresher Flying Unit), and No. 8 (Coastal) Operational Training Unit RAF. The last units to occupy the airfield before its closure in November 1945 were Nos 20 and 21 Air Crew Holding Units.

In the 1950s, the need for a civil airport in West Wales was recognised, and Haverfordwest Council proposed the ex-RAF airfield to the Ministry of Transport. The site was selected due to its well-preserved infrastructure, including runways. Cambrian Airways began a twice-daily scheduled service to Cardiff in 1952, with a stopover at Swansea Airport. However, Cambrian Airways withdrew from the route in 1955, and the runways fell into disrepair.

Despite challenges with runway conditions and changes in airline plans, Haverfordwest Airport has continued to undergo redevelopment and improvements. The airport has hosted the International Air Rally and regularly holds fly-ins and competitions. In the 1990s, the airport saw the construction of a new operations room, a second hangar, and a new control tower. In 2000, a new hangar, a small terminal waiting room, and a café were added. The airport gained attention in 1996 when it supported the Marine Pollution Control Unit (MPCU) response to the Sea Empress oil spill in Pembrokeshire.

St Athan, Vale of Glamorgan

Wales has a number of airports, including Cardiff International Airport, Anglesey Airport, Bristol International Airport, Haverfordwest Airport, and St Athan, Vale of Glamorgan.

St Athan, in the Vale of Glamorgan, is a small airport that serves the local area. It is located in the village of St Athan, which is situated in a beautiful rural area of the Vale of Glamorgan. The airport is known for its stunning approach, offering views of the rolling Welsh hills and the Bristol Channel.

The airport is well-equipped to handle a variety of aircraft, including small planes and helicopters. It features a single runway, a modern control tower, and a small terminal building. The terminal provides essential amenities for passengers, including a cafe, a shop, and a waiting area. The airport is also home to a number of aviation businesses, such as flight schools and aircraft maintenance companies.

For visitors, St Athan airport offers a unique and intimate flying experience. The small size of the airport means that passengers can enjoy a more personalized and efficient service. The airport is particularly popular with leisure pilots and aviation enthusiasts, who appreciate the friendly and relaxed atmosphere.

In addition to its aviation facilities, St Athan airport is also known for its community engagement initiatives. It often hosts educational events and workshops for local schools, as well as public open days, where visitors can learn about the airport's history, operations, and future plans. The airport is committed to promoting aviation as a career choice for young people in the area, and regularly invites students to tour the facilities and meet with industry professionals.

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