The Conservatives have published a document that outlines the government's long-term plans for Cardiff Airport.

Entitled A Blueprint for Cardiff Airport, the report outlined a new strategy for attracting airlines, improving public transport links to the site and stimulating greater freight transportation.

The airport has been underperforming in recent years and was sold to the Welsh Government for £52 million. The authorities are keen to make a success of the aviation facility so that taxpayers can be reimbursed.

Tory transport spokesman Byron Davies said: "We believe that after a period of revitalisation, investment and growth, that Cardiff Airport should be sold as a vibrant economic hub."

He added that Cardiff Airport should be seen as "Wales' gateway to the world", but the site has been struggling of late.

Many Welsh travellers have been crossing the border to fly from Bristol Airport and this has obviously had a negative impact on Cardiff's passenger figures.

However, work is already underway to bring more flights to the Welsh airport, with Spanish carrier Vueling the latest company to increase its presence in South Wales.