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Cardiff Airport appoints new Chief Executive

By Stephen Price
Jon Bridge. Image: Cardiff Airport

Cardiff Airport, the National Airport of Wales, has announced the appointment of Jon Bridge as its new CEO, effective from 3 November 2025.

Jon brings a wealth of experience to the Airport in a career spanning three decades across the retail, hospitality sectors and transport sectors.

He has held a range of senior leadership and advisory positions, including CEO of SA Brain & Co, where he successfully steered the organisation through a period of major transformation and unprecedented challenges following the Covid-19 pandemic.

Since March 2025, Jon has also contributed at board level in an advisory capacity within the wider Welsh transport sector.

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Honour

The Cardiff Airport team is looking forward to welcoming Jon and supporting him in his new role.

Andy Jones, who has been Interim CEO since March, will return to his position as a Non-Executive Director on Cardiff Airport’s Board.

Jon Bridge, Chief Executive Officer of Cardiff Airport, said: “I’m honoured to be joining Cardiff Airport at such a pivotal time. The National Airport of Wales is a vital asset for our country, providing economic benefits, jobs and ensures global connectivity.

"We are striving to be the first choice for airline passengers and the centre of Wales’ aviation related industry.

"I’ll be working hard with our team and partners to continue the process of diversifying the business, driving growth, developing our people and ensuring we continue to provide an excellent experience for our customers.

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19 comments

Frank

Has he got any experience in aviation?

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Keith Parry

Where Has Brains Brewery and pubs Gone?

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Valley Girl

Hopefully he has connections with some airlines because that is what we need. There is enough appetite for Cardiff airport created through the successful Facebook page - Cardiff Airport Flights and deals The only worry I have is if Bristol airport has put pressure on some airlines to not add further flights out of Cardiff.

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Harry

Where's the APD?

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Undecided

Just back from Bristol Airport, having driven along the recently completed road cutting 20 minutes off the journey. Then into the new transport hub and a revamped terminal building. Add that to Cardiff offering flights at double the price and just about nowhere anyone wants to go, rocket science is not required as to why Cardiff Airport is a white elephant.

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Harry

Just to be clear. Did you choose Lulsgate Bottom aerodrome because the roadworks were finished, there was a new bus stop and the terminal was repainted, or because they had the flight you wanted?

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Undecided

The flight essentially. But I’m also making the point that unlike “Rhoose aerodrome”, Bristol and its infrastructure have benefited from serious planning and investment. Can it therefore be any real surprise that it has the routes, the facilities and is full of Welsh travellers? Meanwhile, Cardiff does a passable impersonation of the Marie Celeste!

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In reply to Undecided

Harry

Not "essentially" but "100%". If Cardiff had an 8 lane connection to the M4 and a terminal like Singapore while Bristol was a grass strip, an actual shed and you had to leave an extra hour in case the cows were crossing the only access road, but only Bristol had the destination you wanted at the price you were prepared to pay, which airport would you choose? Those saying new roads and terminals are the answer are asking the wrong question.

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In reply to Harry

Undecided

Yes, I suppose it is 100%. But I don’t agree with your final point. The simple fact is that Bristol has had the investment in facilities and infrastructure. There has been talk of a link road between the M4 and Cardiff Airport for 25 years; but Welsh Government did nothing and airlines were not attracted. No one is going to pay double for an indirect flight including hours on end in a transit lounge in Amsterdam.

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In reply to Undecided

Harry

Airlines are not attracted by big roads and fancy terminals because that stuff is for passengers and, as pointed out, passengers will happily drag themselves through a hedge backwards for the right flight at the right price. The only relevant question is this: What does attract airlines?

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In reply to Harry

Slarti

Well look at this way. I’m from the valleys. CWL to Edinburgh £192 return 1 person with Logan air on the date I want. Same dates from BRS £78 return. That’s why I and many choose BRS.

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In reply to Slarti

Harry

I agree. Loganair are stuck in the past with their pricing structure which isn't demand based. Like you I planned to use them but their price ticked up from expensive to silly money despite being half empty (unusually their website shows you the empty seats before you buy a ticket) so instead of taking my money they had an empty seat and I went by train for less. But they're leaving Cardiff so someone needs to do a deal with Ryanair which is now the best airline in Europe to ply this route and more.

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Slarti

I chose “Lulsgate Bottom aerodrome 🤣” before the roadworks 🤔🙄 why ? Much cheaper and a lot more routes than Cardiff ever will have

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In reply to Slarti

Harry

You're making my point for me. Those that say CWL is in the wrong place, needs more roads, a bigger terminal, cheaper parking or a direct rail connection to be successful are all wrong. The only thing that matters is the flights.

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Arthur

Did you pay the new Bristol road tax and extortionate parking charge?

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Undecided

Yes, parking £13 cheaper than Cardiff like for like less £9 for Bristol charge left me £4 up. Happy days.

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Tejay

Maybe he will get Qatar back after years of promises and deal with the tax rates being 1 the highest in British aviation! Lower taxes will undoubtedly attract more airlines.

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Harry

Qatar need to be sweet talked back. They're not driven by hard numbers in the way most airlines are, but they need to feel that they are building a long-term relationship with Wales. Lord Jones of Penybont should be put in charge of this mission as he helped bring them in the first instance.

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Johnny

He will be taking over the Second least used Capital City Airport in the World after Pyongyang Airport in North Korea.

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