The CEO of Cardiff Airport (CWL/EGFF) Spencer Birns has quit the role with immediate effect leaving the airport in the hands of a non-executive director.
No official reason has been given for the sudden departure other than that Mr Birns is “pursuing other opportunities”. His departure was confirmed by Cardiff Airport chairman Wayne Harvey.
Welsh Conservative MS Andrew RT Davies said the move was a vote of no confidence in Welsh Labour Government which owns the airport which has struggled to gain traction with airlines and passengers.
Mr Davies added: “Spencer Birns has always done his best at Cardiff Airport, where facilities are second to none, but the lack of direction from the Welsh Government has led to a non-return of airlines and a brutal decline in passenger numbers.
“If we’re going to see this key economic asset gain real strength we need to see a change of ownership and better direction so talented people like Mr Birns aren’t walking away.”
Cardiff Airport ranks 20th in the UK by passenger numbers, despite being more established than many of those above it, but due to its proximity to Bristol Airport it has struggled to attract airlines which has led to massive bailouts being needed from the Welsh Government to keep it operating.
The airport has made a loss every year since Welsh Labour purchased it in 2013 for £52 million.
