CAN AIRPORT FIND A REPLACEMENT FOR STRICKEN OPERATOR?

A WELSH aviation expert has raised fears that it could take Cardiff International Airport several years to find a new transatlantic airline to fly routes from Cardiff.

Martin Evans, of the Wales Transport Research Centre, said there were no other no-frills airlines running budget flights to Canada which could easily step into the breach.

Bosses at Cardiff International Airport say they are already searching for a replacement for Zoom, which flew to Vancouver and Toronto, and say that demand for the flights is strong.

But Mr Evans said airlines would be reluctant to take on new routes in the current economic climate.

He said: "It is a tough time for the airline industry. For an airline to start that route from Cardiff would be extremely difficult but in the airline business you never know what's going to come in the future. A few years ago we didn't envisage even having low-cost airlines across the Atlantic."

Mr Evans said it was worrying Zoom collapsed at the end of the busy summer season, and added: "I think we will see a number of airlines in difficulties over the next year. I think there is going to be more bad news."