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Passenger flights still rising at Cardiff
13 October 2006
In September, 14 per cent more passengers used Cardiff International Airport than in the same month last year. So far for 2006, passenger numbers are up 13 per cent over 2005.
This Welsh result compares with 2.4 per cent growth at Scotland's main airports over the same period.
Cardiff's scheduled and low cost airlines recorded increases of 12 per cent and 14 per cent respectively during September, reflecting travellers' increasing desire to use the capital's airport rather than drive through England to reach Heathrow and Gatwick.
Leisure traffic on charter flights also rose, with 15 per cent more passengers than 2005. This trend is likely to continue through the coming winter, as big-brand tour operators have increased their Cardiff capacity for winter sun, ski and city break holidays.
Managing Director Jon Horne said: "It is important to remember that this has not been an easy year for air transport, with an evolving security situation, a football World Cup that encouraged people to stay at home and, in Wales, the cessation of scheduled services by Air Wales. To be on target for two million passengers this year despite all this is very good news indeed.
"This year's £7 million investment in expanded and enhanced facilities was based on assumptions of such a growth pattern so I'm delighted to see the predictions coming true."
The airport is to distribute a quarter of a million winter flight timetables in South Wales later this month, intended to underline the convenience of the capital's air services.
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