Cardiff Airport (CWL/EGFF): Wales’ National Gateway and Thriving Global Hub
Cardiff Airport (CWL/EGFF) is officially designated as the National Airport of Wales, strategically located in Rhoose, approximately 12 miles (19 km) west of Cardiff city centre. It serves as the country’s primary international and regional air link, supporting both leisure and vital business travel. Demonstrating a strong post-pandemic recovery, the airport handled 928,000 passengers in the 12 months ending September 2025, marking a significant 5.3% increase year-on-year. CWL is a critical economic driver for Wales, supporting thousands of jobs and generating over £200 million in annual economic benefit.
Dynamic Route Network and Airline Growth
Cardiff Airport is currently undergoing a period of major route expansion, offering direct flights to nearly 30 destinations and unparalleled global connectivity. This growth is driven by key partnerships with major airlines:
- Major Carriers: Key operators include Ryanair, TUI, KLM, and Vueling, all of whom have significantly expanded their commitment to the Welsh market.
- Leisure Expansion (TUI): TUI is leading the holiday growth, operating 22 destinations with 45 weekly departures during the 2025 summer season. For Winter 2025/2026, TUI is basing a second aircraft at CWL, introducing popular long-haul routes such as Cancún and winter sun favourite Fuerteventura. Furthermore, plans for Summer 2026 include basing a fourth aircraft and launching new routes to Faro and Hurghada.
- Budget Routes (Ryanair & Vueling): Ryanair is operating its largest-ever summer schedule from Wales, with increased services to sunspots including Alicante, Dublin, Faro, Malaga, and Tenerife. Vueling has also bolstered its presence, offering frequent flights to Malaga and Alicante.
- Global Connectivity: The established route via KLM to Amsterdam Schiphol (AMS) remains the vital gateway, providing seamless, one-stop connections to over 150 global destinations, including major hubs like New York, Toronto, Dubai, Singapore, and Hong Kong.
Enhanced Passenger Experience and Terminal Facilities
CWL operates a single, continually modernised terminal, designed to offer an efficient and welcoming passenger journey. Recent and ongoing investments have led to significant facility upgrades:
- Next Generation Security Checkpoint: The airport has introduced cutting-edge security technology, allowing passengers to keep liquids and electronic devices in their hand luggage, greatly speeding up the screening process.
- Dining and Retail: The terminal features a variety of refreshed food and beverage options, including popular choices like Greggs, Costa, Y Castell, Tap & Brew, and the premium 51° Executive Lounge. Extensive duty-free shopping remains available.
- Accessibility and Comfort: The airport is highly committed to Passengers with Reduced Mobility (PRM), offering services such as adult Changing facilities and the use of the Ramble Tag contactless guidance aid for blind and partially sighted customers.
- Accommodation: The Holiday Inn Express is conveniently situated directly at the airport complex.
- Infrastructure Investment: An essential Runway Rehabilitation Project is underway (scheduled for completion by the end of October 2025), involving resurfacing and upgrading airfield ground lighting (AGL) to ensure long-term operational integrity.
Ground Transportation and Accessibility
Connecting to Cardiff and the wider South Wales region is simple with the airport’s well-organised transport links:
- Rail Link: The Rhoose Cardiff International Airport station, on the Vale of Glamorgan Line, offers regular services connecting passengers to Cardiff Central. A dedicated shuttle bus links the station directly to the terminal building.
- Bus Services: The T9 Airport Express bus provides a direct and frequent connection to Cardiff city centre in approximately 30 minutes.
- Taxi: A taxi rank is available directly outside the terminal. The journey time to the city centre is typically around 30 minutes.
- Car Rental and Parking: Major international car hire companies, including Avis, Hertz, and Enterprise, have desks on-site. The airport offers both short- and long-term parking, with discounted rates generally available for advanced online reservations.
Strategic Investment and Future Outlook
The future of Cardiff Airport is underpinned by a significant commitment from the Welsh Government, which has approved an investment package of up to £205.2 million over ten years. This strategic funding aims to:
- Secure new routes and global connectivity vital for the Welsh economy.
- Develop non-passenger business, including crucial Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) facilities, and air cargo services.
- The long-term goal is to achieve an annual passenger throughput of 2 million by 2035, cementing the airport’s role as Wales’ essential link to the world.
Official Contact Information
For direct inquiries, please use the following contact details:
- Address: Rhoose, Vale of Glamorgan, CF62 3BD, UNITED KINGDOM
- Phone: +44 1446 711111
- Website: www.cardiff-airport.com