Cardiff Airport Hits 1 Million Passengers, UK’s 2nd Fastest-Growing Cardiff 2026

Key Points

• More than one million passengers have flown through Cardiff Airport in the past 12 months, marking the airport’s strongest growth in years
• Cardiff Airport has been named the second fastest-growing airport in the UK according to official Civil Aviation Authority figures
• Passenger numbers at Cardiff jumped by 24% in the first three months of 2026 compared with the same period last year
• New direct route to Toronto Pearson International Airport with WestJet launched on 23 May 2026, marking Wales’ first direct air link to Canada in nearly 20 years
• TUI announced new routes to Faro, Hurghada, and Fuerteventura for summer 2026, plus increased frequency to Antalya, Gran Canaria, Palma de Mallorca, Enfidha, and Tenerife
• Ryanair is celebrating a decade of operations from Cardiff Airport with its largest summer schedule yet
• Easter 2026 saw over 46,000 travellers pass through Cardiff Airport, an 18% increase compared with the same period last year
• Top Easter destinations included Alicante, Dublin, and Málaga, with Canary Islands flights to Tenerife, Lanzarote, Gran Canaria, and Fuerteventura
• In 2025, Cardiff Airport welcomed approximately 963,000 passengers, up 9% from 2024, with traffic movements rising 4% and cargo volumes up 7%
• The Welsh Government successfully defended a £205.2 million subsidy for Cardiff Airport against Bristol Airport’s legal challenge
• Cardiff Airport remains 600,000 passengers below its pre-pandemic figure of 1.6 million from 2019
• Long-term, Cardiff Airport aims to reach two million passengers annually by 2035
• Jon Bridge, CEO of Cardiff Airport, stated 2026 promises to be the airport’s busiest season since the pandemic

Cardiff (Cardiff Daily) June 1, 2026 — More than one million passengers have flown through Cardiff Airport in the past year, as Wales’ national airport posts its strongest growth in years and earns official recognition as the second fastest-growing airport in the UK. New data from the Civil Aviation Authority shows passenger numbers at Cardiff jumped by 24% in the first three months of 2026, compared with the same period last year, matching the milestone that has not been achieved in years.

Why has Cardiff Airport seen such dramatic passenger growth in 2026?

As reported by Wales Online, the milestone has been matched by official figures naming Cardiff the second fastest-growing airport in the UK, with new routes to Toronto and a string of sunshine destinations helping fuel the fastest growth the airport has seen in years.

The 24% proportional increase in passenger numbers during the first quarter of 2026 placed Cardiff second only to London Southend, which recorded a 247% increase, while ahead of Bournemouth (+14%) and Newcastle (+9%).

The substantial growth has been attributed to expansion from airlines such as Ryanair and TUI, with cargo volumes also seeing a 7% uptick aided by the establishment of a new base for European Cargo.

In 2025, the Rhoose-based airport, which is wholly-owned by the Welsh Government, welcomed approximately 963,000 passengers, marking a 9% increase compared with 2024, alongside a 4% rise in traffic movements.

How has the new WestJet route to Toronto contributed to passenger growth?

As reported by BBC News, WestJet will begin operating four direct flights each week from Cardiff Airport to Toronto Pearson International Airport, commencing on 23 May 2026, connecting Rhoose in the Vale of Glamorgan to Canada.

This marks the first direct air link between Wales and Canada in nearly two decades and represents Cardiff Airport’s first new Canadian connection since 2008.

As reported by Routes Online, WestJet has chosen Cardiff as its exclusive airport in Wales and England for 2026 as part of its strategic growth in the UK, giving travellers from Wales, the South West of England, and the Midlands a fast, convenient new gateway to Canada. From Toronto, passengers can easily connect across WestJet’s North American network, including Vancouver, Calgary, and Montreal.

What new sunshine destinations have been added for summer 2026?

As reported by TUI, the airline has announced a major expansion at Cardiff Airport with new routes added to its flying programme, as well as boosted frequency to popular holiday destinations for Welsh travellers. On 2 May 2026, TUI launched a brand-new route from Cardiff to Hurghada, meaning holidaymakers can soak up Egyptian sunshine from May.

On 21 May 2026, a brand-new route from Cardiff to Faro launched, taking travellers directly to the golden sands and beautiful coastlines in Portugal.

The Fuerteventura route, new for summer 2026 but continuing from the winter season which launched on 20 December 2025, offers year-round sunshine to one of the Canary Islands’ most stunning spots.

Due to increased demand for summer hot-spot destinations, TUI is increasing flying frequency to Antalya from three to four flights per week, doubling weekly flying to Gran Canaria from once to twice weekly, increasing Cardiff to Palma de Mallorca from five to six flights per week, adding a weekly flight to Enfidha (from two to three), and providing an additional flight to Tenerife each week (four weekly flights total).

How did Ryanair contribute to Cardiff Airport’s growth?

As reported by Wales Online, Ryanair is celebrating a decade of operations from the airport with its largest summer schedule yet, providing an array of sought-after destinations across Europe.

Additionally, the low-cost airline is enhancing its winter offerings, which will include flights to Alicante, Dublin, and Tenerife.

What does CEO Jon Bridge say about Cardiff Airport’s growth trajectory?

As reported by Nation Cymru, Jon Bridge, CEO of Cardiff Airport, said: “It’s been an incredibly positive start to 2026, with passenger numbers rising and approaching the one million mark. This summer promises to be our busiest season since the pandemic, and we couldn’t be more excited to welcome travellers through our doors”.

Bridge continued:

“I want to extend my thanks to all our teams, whose dedication ensures customers can start their holidays smoothly and with a smile. Their commitment is what makes Cardiff Airport such a warm and welcoming place for everyone”.

How did Easter 2026 perform at Cardiff Airport?

As reported by Nation Cymru, Cardiff Airport has welcomed over 46,000 travellers this Easter, marking an 18% increase compared with the same period last year. With holidaymakers eager for both sun-soaked escapes and vibrant European city breaks, the airport is building on a strong start to 2026.

The top three destinations this Easter are: Alicante, with flights operated by Ryanair, Vueling and TUI Airways; Dublin, with flights operated by Ryanair; and Málaga, with flights operated by Ryanair, Vueling and TUI Airways.

For those dreaming of golden beaches and warm weather, customers are taking advantage of direct flights to the Canary Islands, including Tenerife, Lanzarote, Gran Canaria and Fuerteventura, as well as popular sunny European favourites such as Faro and Palma.

What financial support has Cardiff Airport received from the Welsh Government?

As reported by BBC News, in April 2025 the Welsh Government officially awarded a subsidy worth £205.2m to Cardiff Airport, with £20m already allocated to be spent during the current financial year, and the complete amount set to be distributed over a decade.

The Competition Appeal Tribunal dismissed Bristol Airport’s assertion that the funding for Cardiff Airport was “illegal,” ruling unanimously that Bristol’s application for a declaration, quashing order, and recovery order was dismissed.

Bristol Airport had sought to have the subsidy annulled, contending that it could distort market dynamics and effectively meant taxpayers were contributing £71.50 for each passenger.

Legal representatives for Bristol Airport argued before the tribunal that the £205.2 million subsidy from the Welsh Government “should be deemed unlawful,” claiming the scale of funding was unprecedented in the UK aviation sector and constituted a violation of competition regulations.

How does current passenger numbers compare with pre-pandemic levels?

As reported by Wales Online, the airport remains still 600,000 passengers below its pre-Covid number, with 2019 figures showing 1.6 million passengers before the pandemic.

As reported by Yahoo News, Cardiff Airport had forecast to get back to 1.6 million passengers by 2026, but that is now unlikely to be achieved.

In the long run, Cardiff Airport aims to return to two million passengers, having attracted 1.6 million passengers in 2019 before the pandemic.

The airport plans to invest £205m in the airport over the next decade to support activities including securing new routes to get passengers up to two million a year by 2035.

What infrastructure investments are shaping Cardiff Airport’s future?

As reported by Cardiff Airport on LinkedIn, the Runway Rehabilitation Project is near completion, which will help secure safe and efficient operations for many years to come.

In addition, Swissport has been appointed as a new cargo handling partner, bringing investment in upgraded facilities and equipment that will strengthen Cardiff’s role in supporting Welsh exports and economic growth.

This year, TUI has announced new destinations from Cardiff: Fuerteventura, Cancún and Chambéry, plus more flights to Barbados, meaning TUI now has 26 destinations on sale from Cardiff.

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Background: The Development of Cardiff Airport’s Growth Strategy

Cardiff Airport, located in Rhoose in the Vale of Glamorgan, is wholly-owned by the Welsh Government but operates as an arm’s-length business. The airport has been on a post-pandemic recovery trajectory since 2020, with passenger numbers gradually climbing from pandemic lows.

Prior to the pandemic at the end of 2019, Cardiff Airport was handling 1.6 million passengers and continued to grow, with Ryanair having 6 destinations at that time. The number of passengers using Cardiff International Airport increased by 4.3% in 2019, to 1.63 million, including both arrivals and departures.

The airport’s 2040 Masterplan outlined ambitions for significant growth, with passenger numbers having grown 8% in the last year prior to the plan, with more than 1.5 million passengers choosing Cardiff Airport annually, and 18 airlines regularly using the facility.

The Welsh Government’s £205.2 million subsidy warranty, awarded in April 2025, represents unprecedented investment in UK aviation sector support, aimed at securing new routes and growing non-terminal related incomes such as aircraft maintenance, repair, and overhaul.

Jon Bridge was appointed as the new Chief Executive of Cardiff Airport, with the airport team looking forward to welcoming him as leadership changed. The airport’s strategic focus has been on expanding airline partnerships, particularly with TUI and Ryanair, which have been cornerstone carriers driving passenger growth.

Prediction: How This Development Can Affect Welsh Travellers and the Regional Economy

For Welsh travellers, Cardiff Airport’s growth to over one million passengers and its recognition as the UK’s second fastest-growing airport means significantly expanded travel options without requiring connections through London or other UK hubs. The new direct WestJet service to Toronto provides Wales’ first direct transatlantic connection to North America in nearly 20 years, allowing families and business travellers to reach Canada, and subsequently Vancouver, Calgary, and Montreal, without expensive and time-consuming London transfers.

The addition of new sunshine destinations including Faro, Hurghada, and Fuerteventura, along with increased frequency to established holiday spots like Alicante, Tenerife, Gran Canaria, and Palma de Mallorca, gives Welsh families more affordable holiday choices departing directly from their regional airport. This is particularly significant for travellers from Wales, the South West of England, and the Midlands, who now have a fast, convenient gateway to both European and North American destinations.

For the Welsh economy, the airport’s growth trajectory supports job creation and economic activity across the region. The £205.2 million subsidy, now confirmed legal after Bristol Airport’s failed legal challenge, will be invested over a decade to secure routes aimed at reaching two million passengers annually by 2035.

This investment supports Welsh exports through expanded cargo operations, with European Cargo’s new base already contributing to a 7% increase in freight volumes.

The airport’s recovery toward pre-pandemic levels, though still 600,000 passengers below 2019 figures, indicates continued economic rehabilitation of the regional aviation sector. As TUI stations a fourth aircraft at Cardiff Airport and Ryanair expands to its largest summer schedule, employment opportunities in aviation, hospitality, and ground services will likely increase.