Cardiff Airport revamp

Those behind a three-year revamp of Cardiff Airport say they hope it will give visitors an improved first impression of Wales, as well as welcoming home Welsh travellers.

A three-year project is underway to cosmetically improve Cardiff Airport following the Welsh Government's decision to buy it for £52 million last month.

Work by local artists will be displayed in walkways and public areas to promote Welsh culture and heritage to travellers.

It's just one component of work planned in efforts to make Cardiff Airport more competitive.

The Easter getaway begins just a day after the Welsh Government bought Cardiff Airport for £52million.

On what should be one of the busiest times of the year there was the the all too familiar sight of quiet check in desks and departure lounges at their new purchase today.

One former marketing manager at the Airport has told ITV News that it's a good deal for the Government and the public.

The former marketing director of Cardiff Airport says it will take at least three years until we can see whether the Welsh Government's takeover of the airport has been a success.

Peter Phillips told ITV News that something needed to be done to put Wales 'back in charge' of its airport.

The man, who has also worked at Amsterdam's Schipol Airport, said that the airport was 'one of most important facilities we have in Wales.'

He said the Government got a 'pretty fair price' paying just a third of what the previous owners paid.

He said between £6m and £10m would need to be invested to make the airport attractive to new airlines.

There have been rumours that airlines based in Ireland and Eastern Europe may be interested in operating from the airport.

First Minister Carwyn Jones told ITV Cymru Wales' business correspondent Carole Green it is important that Wales has an international airport.

"Where it is doesn't matter, but it's important that Wales has one - and a profitable one," he added.

Welsh Liberal Democrat Transport spokesperson Eluned Parrott says, now the Welsh Government has bought Cardiff Airport, it should publish its plans for transforming it.

Leader of the Welsh Conservatives Andrew RT Davies has questioned the Welsh Government's decision to buy Cardiff Airport, suggesting the money could be better spent.

The Welsh Government says it will not operate Cardiff Airport, but it will be managed at arm's length, on a commercial basis.

Carwyn Jones said: "Cardiff Airport is a vital piece of economic infrastructure and a vital gateway to Wales."

"It is essential that the future of the airport is secured and that we develop long term, sustainable services."

Read more: Welsh Government criticised over Cardiff Airport takeover bid