Wales’ national airport is gearing up for a busy six weeks ahead, as 296,000 customers prepare to jet off with little ones for a summer holiday or to visit family and friends while the kids are off school.

Over the six week summer holidays between July and September, Cardiff Airport is expecting an increase in passengers of 11% compared to last year, making 2018’s Summer holidays the busiest in ten years.

Customers can fly to long haul destinations including Thailand, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Bali on Qatar Airways with just one easy connection via Doha. This 5* airline provides a world-class passenger experience between Wales and the Middle East daily on board a stunning Boeing 787 Dreamliner, which features 22 seats in Business Class and 232 seats in Economy class.

Dutch airline KLM also offers a wealth of connections to destinations including Dubai, New York and Orlando which are all accessible with up to three flights a day to Amsterdam Schiphol, a popular international hub.

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Customers flying long haul this Summer are advised to plan ahead before they fly, by allowing four hours to check in before their departure time.

To ensure a stress free, smooth experience, customers should also prepare by packing hand luggage and suitcases carefully, following national security advice and guidance: https://www.cardiff-airport.com/airport-security/.

Deb Barber, CEO of Cardiff Airport, said:

“The start of the Summer holidays is always an exciting time here at Cardiff Airport., and even more so this year with all of the fantastic developments. We welcome families heading off on well-earned holidays in the sun, customers taking the opportunity to visit friends and family and, of course, visitors to Wales who choose Cardiff as their gateway to the UK.

“As activity across the terminal ramps up, we encourage customers to pack hand luggage items and suitcases wisely and to arrive at the Airport in plenty of time to check in and process through security. We’ve made a number of improvements to the Departure Lounge recently and hope that passengers really enjoy our facilities and relax before take-off.”

The top ten most popular routes this summer from Cardiff

Palma Majorca, with TUI, Thomas Cook and Vueling
Amsterdam, with KLM
Doha, with Qatar Airways
Alicante, with TUI and Vueling
Malaga, with TUI and Vueling
Edinburgh, with Flybe
Dublin, with Flybe
Faro, with Flybe, TUI and Ryanair
Tenerife, with TUI, Thomas Cook and Ryanair
Dalaman, with TUI and Thomas Cook