Readers have commented on the news that Cardiff Airport is seeing a positive trend with increasing passenger numbers and more flight options. From January to July, the airport saw an 8% increase in passenger numbers compared to the previous year. Read more about it here.
The most popular destinations this summer include Alicante, Malaga, Amsterdam, Mallorca, Dublin, Tenerife, Belfast, Dalaman, Antalya and the Algarve. In response to the increase in passenger numbers, airlines such as TUI, Vueling and Ryanair have added more flights and destinations.
In April, it was announced that the first direct flights between Wales and Iceland would start in October. PLAY, an Icelandic low-cost airline, will operate flights to Keflavik for six weeks, with connecting flights to major cities such as New York and Toronto.
Latest announcement: Cardiff Airport opens new winter route to French resort
Read more: Bristol Airport’s response to plans to give £200m to Cardiff Airport
The positive news comes after Cardiff Airport saw a decline in passenger numbers in 2023, a period when most UK airports saw an increase.
The Welsh Government has pledged over £200 million in subsidies to the airport over the next ten years to stimulate growth and attract new airlines. The funds will be used to handle more than two million passengers a year by improving terminal facilities and upgrading infrastructure.
People praised their positive experiences traveling from the airport, but some expressed concerns about the higher prices.
Reader Wynhopkins says: “Nice to hear positive news about Cardiff. Used it for Portugal and Alicante this year. Flights and parking were cheaper than Bristol. Airport was fine.” Syndicalism adds: “There is a bus that goes from Swansea to Bristol airport for a very good price, plus the flights are much cheaper and there is much more choice. I will be flying from there!”
Allanduke writes: “The air is finally starting to circulate here. People have been waiting for this for a long time.”
But reader Crobz was not happy: “Booked a flight from Cardiff to Amsterdam and they cancelled the flight 3 hours before the scheduled departure time!!! Lost a day of holiday and had to fly on from Bristol the next day, that wasn’t good enough, won’t book Cardiff again!!! Didn’t get any compensation from the airline either, trying to sort it out with travel insurance.”
Patrioticpaul said: “Cardiff Airport would have a ‘significant advantage’ over its rivals if the Welsh Government was given the power to set the airport passenger tax, the boss of rival Bristol Airport has claimed. It would mean the Welsh airport could reduce or abolish the tax, potentially leading to cheaper flights. Come on Keir, get a grip on it!”
WR2 writes: “Direct access from the M4 would be beneficial.” And Patrioticpaul replies: “Are you serious? There is a dual carriageway from the M4 to Culverhouse Cross, from there it’s a 10 minute drive. Try Bristol if you want bad access roads.”
Tanner says: “It’s not all about APD – the price difference between Bristol and Cardiff can be over £100 – for example from KLM to Amsterdam!”
Jerryl comments: “Carwyn Jones and the Welsh Labour Party are their pet project, on which they have been throwing our money for years and will continue to do so for years to come!”
Daveu adds: “Without the Welsh Government, Wales would not have its own airport.”
CRH05 writes: “I love Cardiff airport but the flights are so expensive. It’s a shame we can hardly afford to use it.”
Over_The_Road believes: “There needs to be more inbound tourism, not just people flying out.”
Rusty-Stripes says: “We had a great flying experience from Cardiff again this summer. Westminster should have transferred the Air Passenger Tax so that it can be abolished like in Scotland and Northern Ireland to make flights cheaper. But Westminster is only interested in Bristol, so we are unnecessarily taxed on flights.”
StevenBoyd argues: “Bristol and Cardiff pay the same air passenger tax, so how can Bristol be unfairly favoured? Plus they don’t get the huge government subsidies that Cardiff gets. How uneven a playing field do you want?”
Daps1927 agrees: “Brilliant. I remember Simon Hart (then Secretary of State for Wales) saying they would not transfer APD to Wales as it would threaten Bristol Airport! So an SOS for Wales, standing up against Wales and for an English airport. That sums up the Tories’ attitude towards Wales and the contempt they have for us.”
Anothergrumpy chimes in: “Bristol has an advantage as an established airport operator. An advantage created by taxpayers when the airport was still owned by the city council. APD cements that advantage because it is much harder for new entrants to gain a foothold. I am astonished that the CMA allows this.”
Dapdancer added: “Does anyone in Bristol compare their airport to the much bigger Birmingham, Gatwick or Heathrow airports? Do they badmouth the other smaller ones in England like New Quay or Exeter airport? No. So why do they all come here and badmouth Cardiff? Bristol airport is what it is and it gives the people across the bridge what they want. Good luck with that. Cardiff is very convenient for us here in Wales and it’s great to see Cardiff picking up again. In the future you should try to boost freight, maintenance and long haul traffic, then you don’t have to try and overwhelm the short haul business and risk getting too busy.”
Flowers5 says: “I saved £300 on flights from Cardiff to Singapore (and my other destinations) – not including meals on the train and in the hotel.”
Let us know what you think about the latest Cardiff Airport results. Let us know in the comments below or HERE.
