Cardiff Airport is celebrating a strong summer season, with more people choosing to fly local and airlines continuing to invest in new routes from Wales.
In the 12 months to the end of September 2025, 928,000 passengers travelled through the airport, representing a 5.3% increase on the previous year. Flights were also busier, with more seats filled across services.
The growth reflects growing confidence from key airline partners including TUI and Ryanair, both of which have expanded operations in Wales to meet increasing demand.
Ryanair marked 10 years of flying from Cardiff Airport with its biggest-ever summer schedule, offering a wide choice of destinations across Europe. The airline is also expanding its winter programme, with flights to Alicante, Dublin and Tenerife.
Meanwhile, TUI has confirmed further investment by basing a second aircraft at Cardiff for Winter 2025. This expansion means Welsh travellers can enjoy more choice for winter sun getaways, including new routes to Cancún and Fuerteventura. For skiers, Crystal Ski Holidays are returning to Chambéry in the French Alps, and introducing a new route to Salzburg in the Austrian Alps.
Looking ahead to Summer 2026, TUI plans to base a fourth aircraft at Cardiff, with new routes to Faro and Hurghada, and the extension of Fuerteventura into the summer season after its winter launch.
The airport also confirmed that Loganair will withdraw its Cardiff–Edinburgh service from January 2026 due to operational reasons outside the airport’s control. The route has proven popular with both business and leisure travellers, and discussions are already underway with other airlines to restore this key air link between Wales and Scotland as soon as possible.
Ongoing investment is continuing to shape the airport’s future. Work on the Runway Rehabilitation Project is nearing completion, ensuring safe and efficient operations for years to come. Cardiff has also appointed Swissport as its new cargo handling partner, bringing upgraded facilities and equipment to strengthen the airport’s role in supporting Welsh exports and economic growth.
Next month marks a new chapter for the airport as Jon Bridge joins as Chief Executive. With more than 30 years’ experience across the retail, hospitality and transport sectors, he will focus on driving growth, developing new business opportunities and ensuring passengers continue to receive a warm Welsh welcome.
Ceri Mashlan, Director of Operations at Cardiff Airport, said:
“This has been one of our strongest summers in recent years, and it’s great to see more people choosing to fly local. With continued investment, new routes and strong partnerships with our airlines, the future looks very bright for Wales’ National Airport.”
Cardiff Airport currently offers 38 direct routes year-round, with TUI operating more than 30. KLM connects Wales to over 150 global destinations via Amsterdam, while Ryanair, Vueling and European Cargo continue to expand their operations from the airport.
