The Welsh government has previously said it would defend the legal challenge, external by Bristol Airport, and that it would “fight for our ability to invest” in Cardiff Airport’s “long-term prosperity and shape its economic destiny”.
In a statement ahead of the hearing, Bristol Airport said the Welsh government’s subsidy “was unlawful, disproportionate, and would unfairly harm airport and airline competition.”
It added that it would be “asking the tribunal to quash the subsidy decision made by the Welsh government, which it believes failed to lawfully apply the subsidy control principles, resulting in a subsidy that should not have been granted.”
A spokesperson for the Welsh government said ministers would present their position “through the proper legal process”.
They added: “As the case is the subject of ongoing litigation, it would not be appropriate for us to comment further at this stage.”
A panel of three, chaired by Ben Tidswell, will hear Bristol Airport’s appeal against the subsidy and the response of Welsh ministers.
The hearing is expected to last two days, with a decision likely to be deferred until a later date.
