Cardiff: Infrastructure & Construction Updates

[StanMan]

There's a NOTAM (C6022/18) that advises stand 8 unavailable from 31st October to 31st December. No more info on what happens from 1st January 19. Those timescales suggest the possibility of re-designing the stand layout as happened with stand 7.

 

[Jerry]

I'm not sure how long that bridge is but i wonder if it'll reach to stand 8R? Or if they'll move that over more to the left?

 

[Jerry]

I was able to take a few photos of the new bridge on stand 9 during my visit to the airport.
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[Foxlimayankee]

A little confused by the angle of it. Is the airbridge linked to the terminal at the same point of the old one?
And is that a KLM nose in rather than at an angle to the Terminal?
If it's now a nose in stand 90 degrees to the Terminal then that surely restricts the size of aircraft that can use it. Previously up to A321's could go in at an angle, but like stand 8, the distance between the terminal and the taxiway decreases towards the end of the pier due to the angle it's at. I'd be surprised if they could get a 737-800 nose in at a 90 degree angle to the pier.

 

[Cardiffbay]

Just seen the airbridge having arrived on a diverted Hamburg to Bristol that went to Cardiff. KLM is still parked in its usual position and the bridge is attached at the same point it is just swung right in almost upagsinst the building with many wires hanging out of it.

 

[Jerry]

As far as I know KLM is in the same position it's always been and yes the bridge is attached at the same point as the other one was i believe. It's probable that the stand will be realigned. Maybe by moving it over to the right and getting rid of stand 8?

 

[Jerry]

Both stand 8 and 9 will be repainted. I'm told that the lead in lines for the airbridge are being repositioned at 3 metres from the current position. So maybe aircraft will a bit further back? Which could limit the size of the aircraft using that airbridge?

 

[Barry Man]

 

[Jerry]

So no changes to the stands just repainting the lines?

 

[Cardiffbay]

The new airbridge is up and running and KLM are using it.

https://twitter.com/x/status/1075454685232943104

 

[Jerry]

Nice! Will be interesting to see if the likes of TUI and Vueling will be able to use it.

 

[Jerry]

So on the way to arrivals from stand 7 i passed the new airbridge on stand 9 so took a few photos on my way past.
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[TheLocalYokel]

Welcome home to Wales Jerry. We look forward to reading about your trips.

 

[mathers_wales_uk]

It appears that you were on either 8R or 7L which would have been the stand that can’t use the air bridge.

I can see however by that image they have finally done some barriers to help guide passengers to the correct direction. This is something that should have been done years ago.

I have seen that Flybe not been using the airbridge and also the KLM on this week. Unsure if it’s staff training or airline request.

 

[Jerry]

It appears that you were on either 8R or 7L which would have been the

I believe it was 7L or maybe even 7 itself as the airbridge was quite close and looked as if it was in a position that could be used from my position on the aircraft but was moved out of the way. I was surprised that as we were a Dublin flight we didn't end up on stand 3. The pilot did say we'd caught the ground crew by surprise arriving early.
It would be ironic if after spending the money that the airlines refused to use them! Personally though i just wonder if it's a lack of trained staff.

 

[mathers_wales_uk]

actually just remembered if it’s was Dublin, did you walk into the pier then back out to the cold? If so this is due to Irish entry being in front of Stand 1.

Domestic is in the corner next to the cargo sheds

 

[Jerry]

actually just remembered if it’s was Dublin, did you walk into the pier then back out to the cold? If so this is due to Irish entry being in front of Stand 1.

Domestic is in the corner next to the cargo sheds

Yep we walked into the pier and out again.

 

[mathers_wales_uk]

That is at least one reason you didn’t use the airbridge.

I have always wondered why they haven’t done a undercover walkway. Taking you around the bend at Stand 3 right around to the Irish, Channel Isles & Domestic arrivals.

I have seen far too many have th welcome to Wales of being soaked through.

It is also safer because it will actually keep the passengers marshalled in rather than relying them to Stick to the zebra crossing.

 

[Jerry]

Not many stuck to the zebra crossing. A covered walkway would be better. I did find it interesting though that in Dublin both ways i had to go through Irish immigration. Which makes me wonder why just not go through immigration in Cardiff and just have a special channel in the hall.

 

[mathers_wales_uk]

I think it is because even though you are not subject to immigration checks, you are subject to customs checks.

Hence why the curtain segregates you from domestic arrivals and you have to go through the declaration screens rather than through the domestic doors.

Of course you can’t really create a channel in immigration because your relying on honesty and if several flights arrive in the international pier at any one time then they will mix.

There are exceptions to the rule where occasionally if nothing international is imminent or left to clear you can take them down the channel with permission. This is rare on normal operations and maybe used during adverse weather or on airlift days.