THE first flight of a new service linking North and South Wales will leave from Cardiff today.

The flights, operated by Links Air will operate two daily return flights but at new times to allow for a longer working day at both destinations.

Meanwhile, the link has been branded "pointless" by the Welsh Liberal Democrats, whose Freedom of Information request revealed the air link will cost taxpayers £3.94 million pounds over a period of four years.

The service is supported by the Welsh Government with the aim of "improving business connectivity and promote economic growth."

Transport Minister Edwina Hart said: “This new service better meets the needs of business customers and I hope the new flexible ticket options will encourage more leisure and tourism passengers to use the service.”

Links Air Commercial Manager, Roger Hage, added “We at Linksair are delighted to operate this important route and are very excited about the new opportunities. With a combination of low fares, flexibility in booking, quality service and new routes in the new year we aim to improve the Cardiff to Anglesey service.” The Welsh Liberal Democrats claim taxpayers are subsidising every seat on every flight by almost £50.

Eluned Parrott, Welsh Liberal Democrat Shadow Minister for Transport said: “It beggars belief that the Welsh Labour Government continues to throw £3,700 a day of taxpayers’ money at these flights. This is despite falling passenger numbers and little evidence of any economic benefit.

“The Welsh Liberal Democrats would scrap this wasteful and polluting subsidy and instead concentrate on improving rail links. Many of Wales’ railways remain woefully inadequate, with train carriages overflowing and packed to the rafters and in some cases unfit for purpose. With that in mind, it is completely unacceptable that the Welsh Labour Government still remains dedicated to this pointless service. “Passenger numbers have dropped rapidly with there being a 43% drop since their peak. It is time to end this costly debacle before even more public money is poured into a service that is both economically and environmentally unsustainable."