Has the Minister had any recent discussion with Qatar Airways following the announcement they are looking into returning to the airport in 2024?
During a two day overseas visit to Qatar in May 2022, the Minister for Economy met with Qatar Airways' Group Chief Executive, alongside senior executives from Cardiff Airport and the British Embassy, to discuss the resumption of the airline's Doha - Cardiff service and to reinforce the relationship which had been blossoming prior to Covid. This was all part of our efforts to restore and enhance business connectivity and develop economic links between our two countries.
The First Minister and the CEO of Cardiff Airport met with Qatar Airways again on 21 November 2022 during the FIFA World Cup, to discuss the resumption of the service.
During a press conference in Berlin on 7 March, Qatar Airways Group chief executive Akbar Al Baker said he expects the airline’s route to Cardiff to resume this year, explaining this depends on the speed of the repair project of its A350 aircraft.
We remain keen to support the reinstatement of the Doha route and we would welcome the resumption of the service from Cardiff as soon as is reasonably and commercially viable for the operator. Senior executives at the airport are in regular, positive dialogue with Qatar Airways about the resumption of the service.