16 February 2023
The CAA has suspended the operating licence of Swansea Airport, meaning it cannot go ahead with planned scheduled passenger flights to Exeter Airport.
The CAA told the Local Democracy Reporting Service that it had provisionally suspended the operating licence due to a “systemic failure of safety management”. It cited ineffective safety management, inadequate safeguarding of the aerodrome, and an absence of an accountable manager.
Swansea Airport Ltd has until 28 February to submit a “corrective action plan” to address the shortcomings.
According to WalesOnline, Swansea Airport Ltd director Roy Thomas said he would be submitting an action plan, and that he expected to appoint a new accountable manager shortly. Mr Thomas said the previous accountable manager had been in post on the day the CAA inspected but that he stepped down to another position very shortly afterwards for personal reasons.
Mr Thomas also said airport staff would focus more on ensuring the three-mile airport perimeter was secure from grazing animals.
Swansea Airport, an unbelievable tale of decline over the years by its current operator.
Q1.Why has @SwanseaCouncil (the owner), failed to ensure that the lessee maintains airport’s infrastructure?
Q2.Why have the council just renewed the lease…🤔?
https://t.co/spnuw9g0lR— Lord Davies of Gower (@Byron_Davies) February 16, 2023
Swansea Airport Ltd took over an existing lease for the airport, at Fairwood Common, Gower, around 20 years ago. The CAA suspended the operating licence in 2019 on safety grounds, reinstating it two years later.
The WalesOnline report continues: A number of airport users have claimed that the airport has become run down, and set up a group called Swansea Airport Stakeholders’ Alliance. The alliance has submitted proposals to the council to take over the running of the airport, as has a businessman, Jim Blythe, who leases aircraft there.
Swansea Council’s cabinet considered a request by Swansea Airport Ltd for a new lease at a meeting on 19 January. A report said the tenant had strong legal rights to request a renewal.
Two flying schools are based at Swansea Airport, Cambrian Flying Club and Gower Flight Centre. We understand both are continuing to operate.
