Cardiff Airport has recently shared an update regarding its increased passenger numbers this summer, leading airlines to introduce new flight options. The airport has reported an 8% growth in passenger numbers from January to the end of July compared to the previous year. This rise in passengers has resulted in more travel choices for customers departing from Cardiff.
Popular destinations from the airport this summer include Alicante, Malaga, Amsterdam, Majorca, Dublin, Tenerife, Belfast, Dalaman, Antalya, and Algarve. Responding to the positive trend, various airlines have expanded their services. TUI has added 12,000 more holidays this year, Vueling has increased flights to Malaga for September and October, and Ryanair will continue offering flights to Tenerife during the winter season.
In April, it was announced that Cardiff Airport would offer new destinations this autumn with the launch of the first direct flights between Wales and Iceland. Low-cost Icelandic airline PLAY will commence flights to Keflavik on October 10 for a six-week period. Additionally, PLAY will provide connecting services to New York, Boston, Washington Dulles, and Toronto.
While some UK airports experienced growth in passenger numbers in 2023, Cardiff Airport saw a decrease in passengers during the same period. The airport served 859,805 passengers in 2022 and 838,574 in 2023, attributing the drop in numbers partially to the withdrawal of Wizz Air’s services.
In efforts to boost growth, the Welsh Government unveiled plans to provide over £200 million in subsidy support to Cardiff Airport over the next decade for projects aimed at enhancing facilities, attracting new airlines and routes, and aiming for over two million passengers annually. The funding commitment from the Welsh Government since acquiring the airport in 2013 is nearly £400 million.
Spencer Birns, CEO of Cardiff Airport, expressed positivity about the growth in customer numbers and highlighted efforts to enhance the overall customer experience. The airport has also celebrated milestones with partners like Balkan Holidays, which initiated direct flights to Bulgaria from Cardiff 45 years ago.
The positive developments at Cardiff Airport showcase a promising trajectory for air travel from Wales, offering travellers increased options and convenience for their journeys.