Wales's principal international gateway serving the Cardiff region.
Opened
1942
Location
Cardiff, United Kingdom
Cardiff International Airport (CWL/EGFF) is the main commercial airport serving Wales and the wider South Wales region. Located approximately 12 miles southwest of Cardiff city centre near the Vale of Glamorgan town of Rhoose, it handles both scheduled and charter flights to European and some long-haul destinations.
The airport has undergone significant ownership changes, having been acquired by the Welsh Government in 2013. It serves millions of passengers annually and is the primary point of international air travel for much of Wales, though it competes with nearby Bristol Airport across the border in England.
Passenger numbers have fluctuated over the years, impacted by economic conditions and airline route changes, and the airport continues efforts to attract new carriers and expand its route network to strengthen its position as Wales's national airport.
Terminals
The airport operates a single passenger terminal building that handles all departures and arrivals.
Getting to & from
Cardiff Airport is connected to Cardiff city centre by the T9 Express bus service and by rail via Rhoose Cardiff International Airport station on the Vale of Glamorgan Line.
Airlines here
Key airlines operating from Cardiff include TUI Airways, Ryanair, and various charter carriers serving European leisure destinations.
Notable facts
- ›The airport was acquired by the Welsh Government in 2013 for £52 million.
- ›It is located near the village of Rhoose in the Vale of Glamorgan, not within Cardiff itself.
- ›The site was originally developed as a Royal Air Force station during World War II.
- ›Cardiff Airport handled over 1.6 million passengers in pre-pandemic 2019.
- ›It is the only international airport owned and operated by a devolved UK government.
This profile is provided for general information only. Details may be inaccurate or outdated — always verify with the airport's official website before acting on them.
