Cardiff Airport has launched a new low-cost airline base with confidence that passenger numbers are going to recover after the pandemic continues to grow. Wizz Air will be running nine new routes from the airport.
From Friday, the airline will initially start with one plane.But the airport's chief executive Spencer Birns says if the nine leisure routes can prove a commercial success, there is scope for the airline to significantly increase routes and aircraft capacity.
The investment from the airline at the Rhoose-based airport will create 40 cabin and pilot-related jobs and a further 250-plus in its associated supply chain. The airline is expected to put on sale just over 200,000 seats for its inaugural summer season with the airport hopeful of achieving around 75% capacity. Take a look here are how the summer schedule looks for direct flights from Cardiff Airport:
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Dublin
Ryanair is the airline that flies to Ireland's capital city, with flights from the end of March to end of October 2022 on Mondays, Wednesday, Fridays and Sundays.
Edinburgh
Loganair flies to Scotland's capital city and between the end of March and October 2022, there are flights every day apart from Saturdays.
Amsterdam
The largest city in the Netherlands is a major tourist destination and the airport is a hub for flights if you are planning to travel internationally. KLM is the airline that flies from Cardiff with various flights. Between April 1, 2022 and October 31 there are flights on Mondays, Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. From April 27, 2022, to October 31 there are also flights on Wednesdays. From May 24, 2022, there are flights on Tuesdays, Wednesday, Thursdays, Friday and Saturdays.
Paris
The city of love can be enjoyed throughout the year, and Vueling is running flights until October 27, 2022, on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays.
Faro
The Algarve is situated on the southern region of mainland Portugal and is a popular tourist destination for those seeking sun, sea and surf. From April 9, 2022, there will be flights with Wizz Air on Tuesdays and Saturdays, and Ryanair already runs flights on those days until the end of October. TUI also runs flights to the holiday destination.
Malaga
Malaga is a large city in the Southern region of Andalucía and offers an array of culture. You can fly to the region from Cardiff with Vueling, Ryanair and TUI during April and May. Vueling runs flights on Tuesdays and Saturdays, TUI on Wednesdays and Sundays and Ryanair on Wednesdays and Sundays.
Alicante
The town is nestled amongst the northern hills and mountains which means that it sustains its Mediterranean climate and has very little rainfall throughout the year. TUI, Wizz Air and Vueling will be running flights throughout the summer schedule. There are flights with different airlines every day of the week.
Ibiza
The third largest of the Balearic Islands, it welcomes millions of tourists each year. Flights from Cardiff are run from TUI on Wednesdays from May 4, Saturdays from May 7, and Fridays from July 15.
Majorca
Another island popular with holidaymakers during the summer, and there is plenty of choice with flights offered by WizzAir, TUI and Vueling. TUI flights start from May 1, Vueling flights are already running and WizzAir will start on April 9.
Menorca
Holiday company TUI will be running direct flights to the Mediterranean island from May 2. During the summer schedule, there will be flights on Mondays and Fridays.
Reus
Situated near the east coast of Spain, it is a popular destination due to its locality being close to seaside towns such as Salou. Airline TUI will be running direct flights on Tuesdays from May 5.
Dubrovnik
You can fly to Croatia's most popular resort between May and October with TUI. Flights from the airport are on Thursdays.
Tunisia
The North African country is at the heart of the Mediterranean coast and promises a relaxing retreat. TUI will be running flights directly to Enfidha on Fridays from May 6.
Corfu
TUI and WizzAir are the two companies that will be flying from Cardiff during the summer schedule. TUI flights start on May 2, while WizzAir will start flights on June 16.
Zakynthos
Also known as Zante, the Greek island is the perfect destination summer holiday destination. TUI are flying directly to the island from May 3 with flights on Tuesdays and Fridays by May 20.
Crete
Greece's largest island attracts thousands of visitors every summer, and there are direct flights with WizzAir and TUI. Flights with TUI start from May 1 and with WizzAir from June 13.
Kefalonia
The beautiful island is the setting for Captain Corelli's Mandolin. Flights from Cardiff are with TUI and will start on Tuesdays from May 3.
Bourgas
Bulgaria is one of Europe's best-kept secrets but is quickly becoming a popular destination area due to its beaches and variety of watersports. TUI and Balkans Holidays both will fly directly from Cardiff from May. TUI from May 9 and Balkan Holidays from May 21.
Kos
Boasting sandy beaches, sightseeing, palm trees, water sports and vibrant nightlife. TUI will be flying directly from May 4.
Rhodes
Known as the 'Knights' Island' because of its rich heritage, TUI will be flying from Cardiff from May 4.
Dalaman
Turkey is a popular holiday destination for British holidaymakers, with TUI flying from Cardiff from May 2. By the end of the month, there will be flights on Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays.
Antalya
Situated on the Gulf, Antalya is a beautiful modern city and the old town Kaleiçi is classically stunning. TUI will be flying to the area from May 5.
Paphos
Said to be the birthplace of the Greek goddess Aphrodite, who symbolised love and beauty, the island is another popular summer destination. Flights with TUI are already running, and an extra day is being added from May 1.
Larnaca
The charming town of Larnaca is a great spot for tourists seeking the Mediterranean way of life. TUI and WizzAir will both be flying from Cardiff this summer. WizzAir start from April 10, while TUI flights start from May 1.
