Upgraded departure lounge open at airport
CARDIFF Airport’s new-look departure lounge has been unveiled. The area has been given a £4m upgrade ahead of Qatar Airways launching flights to Doha from the airport on May 1.
The makeover includes additional seating, two new Costa Coffee branches and an extended WH Smith store.
Holidaymakers jetting from the airport yesterday morning had an extra treat as Wales international rugby star Sam Warburton did the honours and cut the ribbon to officially open the new area.
The new seating area is less cramped and has windows overlooking the runway and the seats are fitted with USB ports and plug sockets.
Also unveiled as part of the upgrade were a new business lounge – the 51° Lounge – and a revamped executive lounge which has its own bar.
WH Smith has relocated and extended its store and now includes a Well Pharmacy range.
Travellers coming into Wales also have the benefit of a new car-hire centre from which EuropCar, Enterprise, Hertz and Avis will operate.
On the security front at the terminal, the hold luggage screening system has also had a boost to meet the enhanced security requirements.
Deb Barber, CEO at Cardiff Airport, said: “The latest investment will significantly transform the experience for customers, offering more choice and quality in modern, welcoming surroundings.
“This is especially important at a time when we are experiencing passenger growth and working with our airline partners to introduce more choice in services for our customers.
“With the summer season now under way and the imminent launch of Qatar Airways on May 1 these latest improvements show our commitment to our customers and we sincerely hope that everyone travelling through Cardiff will enjoy these new facilities.”