Airport hits a million passengers in 8 months

CARDIFF Airport has welcomed one million passengers just eight months into 2018.

This marks a 7% increase on this time, with figures showing at this point last year the Rhoosebased airport had welcomed just over 935,000 passengers,

This means the national airport for Wales is on track to achieve double-digit passenger growth at the end of this year.

Additionally, the month of July 2018 alone saw double-digit growth, having welcomed 12% more passengers over the busy peak summer month.

Earlier this year the airport welcomed the launch of a brandnew, direct daily service to the Middle East with airline Qatar Airways.

Just prior to the new route the terminal underwent a £4m revamp, with additional seating in the departure lounge, a new WH Smith and two new Costa Coffee branches, plus a new-look executive lounge and a brandnew business lounge.

In the summer the draft Masterplan – #CWL2040 – was unveiled and detailed its vision and ambitions for the next 20-plus years. At the same time a a joint venture with the Welsh Government was announced that will see Cardiff Airport take over the operation, management and maintenance of the St Athan airfield and business park in 2019.

TUI has announced the addition of an aircraft at its Cardiff base for summer 2019, which will add 100,000 extra seats and new flights to Dubrovnik (Croatia), Naples (Italy) and Hurghada (Egypt).

This year saw Flybe celebrate its third anniversary of its Cardiff base and the addition of another aircraft.

The airline has seen a 130% increase in passengers at Cardiff and now offers flights to 17 destinations including Dublin, Cork, Belfast City and Jersey.

Deb Barber, CEO of Cardiff Airport, commented:“At just over halfway through 2018, it’s promising to see such strong passenger figures.

“This summer, for example, is our busiest summer in a decade and we’re continuing to improve the experience for our passengers, with the launch of a new Meet & Greet parking service just recently.

“With strong monthly results such as July’s 12% increase and 8% passenger growth for the rolling 12 months, we are well on track to deliver the double-digit growth projected at the beginning of the year.

“Our work continues to deliver a sustainable airport business which encompasses a diverse portfolio of products and services, but, more than anything, we are passionate about flying the flag for Wales and proudly acting as a key gateway to the UK.”