Cardiff Airport Surpasses One Million Passengers as Growth Accelerates

Cardiff Airport has recorded more than one million passengers over the past 12 months, reaching a significant milestone as demand for air travel from Wales continues to strengthen.

The achievement comes alongside new figures from the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), which rank Cardiff as the second fastest-growing airport in the UK. Passenger numbers during the first quarter of 2026 were 24 per cent higher than during the same period a year earlier.

The latest growth continues a positive trend for the airport, which has also reported a 14 per cent increase in passenger volumes compared with the previous financial year.

Airport Chief Executive Jon Bridge said the figures demonstrate growing confidence among both travellers and airlines, highlighting the airport's increasing role in connecting Wales with domestic and international destinations.

He described passing the one-million-passenger mark as a major achievement and said the recognition from the Civil Aviation Authority reflects the efforts of airport staff, airline partners and the wider aviation community.

Recent expansion has been supported by a number of new route and airline developments. Canadian carrier WestJet has joined the airport's growing airline portfolio, while TUI has increased its presence by basing a fourth aircraft at Cardiff for the summer season.

Passengers now have access to a broader range of destinations, including Hurghada, Faro, Fuerteventura, Salzburg, Toronto, Turin and Kittilä, helping to strengthen both leisure and international travel opportunities from Wales.

The airport has also benefited from major sporting events, handling more than 19,000 travelling rugby supporters during international tournaments. Meanwhile, Ryanair has recorded its busiest summer season to date at Cardiff, further contributing to rising passenger numbers.

Beyond passenger growth, Cardiff Airport remains an important economic asset for Wales. The airport is estimated to support thousands of jobs and contribute in excess of £200 million annually to the national economy through tourism, trade and business connectivity.

Looking ahead, airport management plans to build on recent momentum by expanding cargo operations, increasing freight handling capabilities and securing new commercial partnerships. These initiatives are intended to diversify revenue streams while supporting the airport's long-term growth strategy.

With passenger demand continuing to rise and airlines investing in additional capacity, Cardiff Airport is positioning itself for further expansion as it seeks to strengthen its role within the UK's regional aviation sector.