Cardiff Airport: Successful Summer Rolls On

Cardiff Airport has enjoyed a busy summer season, with a further busy period expected for the coming August bank holiday weekend.

Cardiff Airport is experiencing a remarkable summer season, with flights in and out of the Welsh capital proving exceptionally popular among travelers.

Tens of thousands of passengers have already utilized Wales’ National Airport for their summer getaways and family visits, with even more expected in the coming weeks.

As the August Bank Holiday weekend approaches, the airport is gearing up for what promises to be one of its busiest periods yet. This year, Cardiff Airport has significantly expanded its offerings, providing customers with an unprecedented range of options to fly locally while exploring global destinations.

10 Top Destinations

The top 10 most sought-after destinations from Cardiff Wales Airport this summer showcase the diversity of routes available:

Alicante (served by TUI, Vueling & Ryanair)
Malaga (TUI, Vueling & Ryanair)
Amsterdam (KLM)
Majorca (TUI)
Dublin (Ryanair)
Tenerife (TUI & Ryanair)
Belfast (Aer Lingus)
Dalaman (TUI)
Antalya (TUI)
Algarve (TUI & Ryanair)

Summer Airline Activity

In response to the surge in passenger demand, airline partners have stepped up their game. TUI has introduced an additional 12,000 holiday slots, significantly boosting capacity for sun-seekers.

Vueling has increased its flight frequency to Malaga for the months of September and October, catering to those looking to extend their summer well into autumn. Ryanair, recognizing the enduring popularity of Tenerife, has committed to continuing its service to the Canary Island throughout the winter season.

The airport’s growth story doesn’t end there. October will see the exciting launch of PLAY airlines’ operations from Cardiff.

The low-cost Icelandic carrier will offer twice-weekly flights to Keflavík for an initial six-week period. This new route not only opens up Iceland as a destination but also provides convenient connecting flights to several North American cities. This includes New York, Boston, Baltimore, Washington, and Toronto, via PLAY’s Keflavík hub.

Enhancing the passenger experience has been a key focus for Cardiff Airport. Recently, two brand-new catering facilities were unveiled in the departure lounge, offering travelers more dining options before their flights.

These improvements have not gone unnoticed, with customers praising the enhanced terminal facilities.

Passenger Growth

Spencer Birns, CEO of Cardiff Wales Airport, shared some impressive statistics, revealing an 8% growth in passenger numbers from January to July compared to the same period in 2023.

Birns expressed his satisfaction with the positive feedback from customers and acknowledged the hard work of the airport teams and partners in elevating the overall customer experience.

The airport recently marked a significant milestone, celebrating Balkan Holidays’ 45th anniversary of operating popular direct flights to Bulgaria from Cardiff. This long-standing partnership underscores Cardiff Airport’s commitment to providing diverse travel options for Welsh travelers.

As the National Airport for Wales, Cardiff Wales Airport plays a crucial role in the country’s economy and global connectivity. It facilitates over 4,000 jobs in Wales and typically generates more than £200 million in annual economic benefits. The airport is proud to be a real living wage employer. It currently serves 15 airlines and offers 33 direct routes.

Some of the standout services include KLM’s flights connecting Wales to over 145 global destinations via Amsterdam. There is TUI’s impressive roster of 24 direct routes, including long-haul destinations like Barbados and Mexico.

Ryanair continues to operate popular flights to Alicante, Tenerife, Faro, Malaga, and Dublin. In addition, there is the upcoming PLAY airline’s service to Iceland with onward connections to North America.

As Cardiff Airport continues to expand its routes and improve its facilities, it solidifies its position as a key player in Welsh tourism and international connectivity. With a successful summer season underway and exciting developments on the horizon, the future looks bright for Wales’ gateway to the world.