Cardiff Airport Appoints Jon Bridge CEO Amid Funding Dispute

Nearly 4,000 residents and businesses have launched the UK's largest environmental legal action against poultry companies Avara Foods, Freemans of Newent, and Welsh Water, alleging pollution and ecological damage to the rivers Wye, Lugg, and Usk in West Wales and the Borders. The claim cites the release of untreated sewage and poultry waste, causing algal blooms and harming wildlife, property values, and local livelihoods. Meanwhile, Cardiff Airport, a vital economic asset for Wales, has appointed Jon Bridge as its new CEO starting November 3, succeeding interim CEO Andy Jones. Bridge, formerly CEO of SA Brain & Co, faces challenges including rebuilding passenger numbers post-COVID, route cuts such as Loganair's Cardiff–Edinburgh service termination, and ongoing legal disputes over Welsh Government subsidies. The Welsh Government has pledged up to £205 million in funding for the airport's recovery and growth, but this support faces criticism and legal challenges from rival Bristol Airport over potential anti-competitive state aid. Jon Bridge plans to diversify the business, drive growth, and enhance customer experience amid these operational and financial hurdles.