Cardiff Airport has been declared the fastest growing airport in the UK thanks to a 17% increase in June passenger numbers compared to the previous year, Wales Online reports. The summer success comes after 13 consecutive months of growth, with a 28% increase in passengers over the last 12 months.
Euro 2016 Contributes to Cardiff Airport Success
The huge increase in June numbers has been partly put down to the success of the Welsh national team in Euro 2016, with over 6000 passengers travelling on charter flights to France to watch the matches. Cardiff Airport has also benefited from the extra attention received by the team as they flew back into the Welsh capital following their semi-final performance with many proud fans gathering in and around the transport hub.
New Routes and Partners Announced
The excellent figures have come at a time when Cardiff Airport has seen significant expansion in flight routes. Thomas Cook recently announced it would expand its current Cardiff Airport offerings from summer 2017 onwards to include direct flights to Orlando, and Newmarket Holidays are set to add new destinations to its Cardiff Airport summer 2017 programme including Venice, Naples, Verona and Dubrovnik. Prior to this, Cardiff Airport will also expand its cruise-flight programme in time for the winter 2016-17 season with new flights to Dubai from Thomson and extra cruise-flights to the Caribbean from P&O Cruises.
Future Expansion?
Comments from Cardiff Airport Managing Director and Chief Operating Officer Debra Barber indicate further expansion could be on the cards in the near future.
“This has been an exciting time for Cardiff Airport’s development, both in terms of passenger numbers and improvements to the customer experience.”
“We are working closely with our airline partners and are focused on delivering sustainable growth, so to be the UK’s fastest growing large airport really sets us apart from our peers and strengthens our position within the market.”
“I’m sure that with ongoing success such as this, we will see airlines continuing to invest in Wales and increasing choice for our customers.”
Possible Development for Cardiff Airport Parking?
Although there has been no official word, this expansion in flight routes, and resulting increase in passenger numbers, could also see a growth in demand for Cardiff Airport development. Whether this takes the form of improved transport links or better Cardiff Airport parking facilities to cater for this increase in numbers remains to be seen, but it’s not unreasonable to assume that passenger car parking at Cardiff Airport could be improved in the not too distant future.