The Welsh Conservatives have criticised the lack of progress with Cardiff Airport.

The airport is one of a number across the UK that will fail to install new scanners to allow passengers to carry more liquids while travelling. The airport has blamed supply chain issues, which have affected a number of airports. 

Airports in the UK were aiming to bring the scanners in for June 1, but a number including Gatwick, Heathrow, Manchester and Cardiff are set to not make this deadline.

The Welsh Conservative shadow minister for transport, Natasha Asghar MS, said: "The Welsh Government and Cardiff Airport have known for quite some time that it would be a requirement of all UK airports to get these scanners in place.

"I was fortunate enough to see for myself how much work was required for their installation and the benefits it would bring to passengers during a trip to Heathrow Airport."

She highlighted how this may not help with Cardiff Airport boosting passenger numbers, saying: "I fail to see how Cardiff airport and its owner the Welsh Government is going to entice customers from Bristol or Birmingham to fly from Cardiff and boost passenger numbers?

"Cardiff’s airport is smaller than others and yet they’ve installed scanners or are still aiming for the June 1st target.

She hopes the new Labour transport minister will heed their action plan to attract more passengers and extend routes for Cardiff.

Responding to the criticism, Spencer Birns, CEO of Cardiff Wales Airport, said: “There have been third-party supply chain issues of this equipment to a number of airports across the UK, including ourselves, which has unfortunately caused these delays.

“This has been outside of Cardiff Airport’s control and it has forced us to apply to the DfT for an extension.

“We contracted for the equipment early in 2023 and have been doing the building works, with the intention of being ready and fully operational by February 2024.

“The airport is expecting to take delivery of the new equipment later this year and we will roll that into our operations accordingly.

“Our teams are working closely with the DfT to ensure the airport is fully compliant at all times.

“Safety and security for our customers and colleagues is our number one priority and operations are continuing as normal.

“Passengers travelling through the airport should prepare for security as usual and continue to carry liquids, aerosols and gels in containers up to 100mL in a 1litre transparent bag.

“Customers are advised to check Cardiff Airport’s website for the latest information on what may be taken through security.”