Battle for little-known UK airport to reopen with passenger flights

A UK airport is hoping to reopen with passenger flights this year – but has already run into problems.

In January, Swansea Airport confirmed plans to operate new UK routes, the first time in nearly 20 years.

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The new flights would operate from Swansea to Exeter Airport.

However, the airport’s launch has been put on pause after its license was suspended over safety concerns.

The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) said concerns were due to a “systemic failure of safety management”.

A CAA spokesperson said: “Swansea‘s aerodrome licence remains suspended to allow time for its management team to further develop and implement corrective actions that we’re satisfied with.”

Swansea Council has since said it will be reconsidering the reopening of the airport.

They said: “Given recent events, the council are now reviewing its legal position and officers will be updating cabinet in April.”

The airport has just two terminals and two hangers, with previously flights to Ireland, London, Jersey and Amsterdam with Air Wales.

The new flights had hoped to launch in March 2023, the first time since 2004.

The website reads: “Scheduled services are back! Swansea Airport are pleased to announce that Scheduled Services will re-launch from Swansea Airport this year.

“The end of March will see the start of services between Exeter and Swansea, joining the airport with Exeter provides interchange access to airports across the UK as well as the Channel Islands, Ireland and Spain.

“This is the first step in a long-planned improvement plan for the airport which will see further infrastructure and services returning to the airport over the year.”

There is better news elsewhere in the UK with another airport to reopen with new flights to Europe this summer.

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