Cardiff Ready for easyJet Diversions

By David James

Cardiff International Airport was today ready to take easyJet flights cancelled from Bristol Airport. The no-frills carrier suspended all its morning flights from the south west airport because of safety concerns and was preparing to scrap afternoon flights if light rain returned as forecast.

EasyJet’s announcement came after three flights skidded on the recently resurfaced runway at Bristol and ran on to the safety area.

A spokeswoman said the airline was talking to handling agents at Rhoose about diverting flights to Cardiff but was hoping to operate some of its afternoon flights from Bristol.

Announcing the decision to cancel flights today, an easyJet spokesman said: ‘The runway conditions are slick at present and we are not confident we can land our aircraft in wet weather without skidding. We are looking at the option of diverting some of our flights to Cardiff or Birmingham airports. Passengers due to use Bristol this morning will get a refund or will be able to take an equivalent flight from another airport.’

A spokesman for Bristol airport, which is popular with Welsh travellers, said no other airlines had cancelled their flights and that a review of the runway surface was being carried out.

Last week, a plane operated by Guernsey airline Aurigny, with 52 passengers on board, ended up on the safety zone at the end of the runway after landing at Bristol. The previous week an easyJet flight from Malaga strayed on to the safety area while taxiing.

Peter Phillips, spokesman for Cardiff International Airport, said staff were in discussions with easyJet.

He said: ‘The issue is whether the planes can be flown out empty and also safely. During the fog before Christmas, Bristol took our bmibaby planes and we take their flights if there is a problem.

‘We understand they’ve been having problems over Christmas and the new year because of the amount of surface water which follows resurfacing.’

A spokesman for easyJet said: ‘The safety of its passengers, crew and aircraft is easyJet’s first priority and this decision has been taken following extensive discussions with Bristol International Airport and the UK Civil Aviation Authority. Customers are entitled to a refund of the fare paid or a free transfer on to another easyJet flight within the next month.’ To claim a refund customers should call easyJet customer services on 08712 442366.

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