Airport News
Cardiff Airport predicts rugby fan surge
Sat, 12 Feb, 2011
Cardiff Airport has forecast a surge in the number of rugby enthusiasts passing through its gates this weekend.
The facility today (February 11th 2011) claimed that it predicts more than 4,000 Welsh fans will use its services to travel to the forthcoming Scotland v Wales Six Nations test match tomorrow.
More than 35 flights will be heading to Edinburgh over the course of the weekend, with carriers such as bmibaby and Flybe running their scheduled routes.
Commenting on the predictions, terminal services manager at Cardiff Airport Ceri Mashlan said she expects supporters to "be in high spirits" as they travel to the Scottish capital.
"As usual we ask all passengers to work with us and make sure they arrive at the airport early to allow plenty of time for check-in and security checks," she said.
Last month, Cardiff Airport staff were given the opportunity to swap jobs with their colleagues in different departments in order to learn more about the functioning of the facility.
Cardiff Airport offers 'job-swap' to employees
Tue, 18 Jan, 2011
Staff at Cardiff Airport have been offered the chance to temporarily swap their jobs.
As part of a scheme between the facility and its partner organisations, employees have been given the opportunity to learn more about how their counterparts in other departments operate.
Cardiff Airport hopes that the initiative will give participants greater knowledge about the role of the other companies on site, in addition to strengthening internal communications and relationships.
Margaret James, contracts and quality manager for the facility, claimed many passengers are unaware of the different organisations who work together to create their travel experience.
"This scheme will improve team working skills and build on the common goals we share in improving the service offered to our passengers," she said.
Earlier in the month, Cardiff Airport launched a new website, aimed at providing a more user-friendly experience for visitors using the facility's internet services, as well as enabling frequent visitors to customise certain sections.
Cardiff Airport to host volunteer ambulance service
Mon, 10 Jan, 2011
Cardiff Airport is set to host a volunteer ambulance service which will be based at the facility as of next year.
The Welsh Ambulance Service has chosen the site as the home of a Community First Responder scheme.
As part of the initiative, people across the country have signed up to learn clinical skills from the organisation, which include training to administer first aid, recognise the signs of cardiac issues and the use of a defibrillator.
This enables them to provide a frontline service to their local community in emergencies until an ambulance can take over.
Tony Rossetti, south-east regional first responder officer, claimed Cardiff Airport merited an active team due to its large population of passengers.
"We thought the airport fits the bill for volunteers to look after the community in the building," he said.
First Responder groups are made up of ten to 15 volunteers from local communities around Wales, with one member assigned on call status 24 hours a day.
Cardiff Airport re-launches airport parking
Thu, 06 Jan, 2011
Airport parking has been re-launched by Cardiff Airport as of the start of the new year.
The move will see on-site airport parking made available to the public once again in an effort to ensure that passengers departing from Wales' national airport will be "guaranteed" a space.
Spencer Birns, head of air service development and commercial operations at Cardiff Airport, hailed the decision as a way to give customers more flexibility with their travel plans, in addition to saving them money.
"Ultimately not paying for parking until you arrive at the airport means the money can stay in your pocket for longer," he said.
Mr Birns went on to state that those who park on-site can help it to develop its facilities, as all funds generated by the new car parking spaces can be reinvested in Cardiff Airport.
This comes after the Sunday Mercury reported on a number of offers from holidays-midlands.com, which included airport parking and lounge options at a number of UK facilities.
Cardiff Airport reveals unusual luggage items
Wed, 05 Jan, 2011
Cardiff Airport has revealed the range of unusual items of luggage passengers passing through its gates have attempted to take on board flights.
Writing for the South Wales Echo, columnist Lisa Jones consulted the facility on the odd baggage and discovered that one flyer tried to take a butcher's knife on board a plane.
Musing on the fact that some people are still ignorant of the travel rules imposed by tighter security concerns, Ms Jones revealed that one passenger attempted to board with a 10lb frozen turkey in their hand luggage.
Similarly, other holidaymakers have tried to carry bizarre baggage, including a briefcase full of bricks and life jackets.
"One flyer tried to take a goldfish as hand luggage and when they were told this was not allowed, tried to check it in. This request was also politely declined," Ms Jones said.
This comes after Cardiff Airport announced the re-launch of its on-site car parking facilities.
Cardiff Airport predicts busy Christmas period
Wed, 22 Dec, 2010
Cardiff Airport is expecting a surge of activity in the lead-up to December 25th 2010.
More than 33,000 passengers are expected to pass through its gates over the festive period until January 4th 2011.
Over 300 flights are scheduled to depart and arrive from December 17th onwards, with a host of travellers heading out on ski trips to Geneva, Chambery and Innsbruck.
Similarly, many holidaymakers are jetting off to seek winter sun in destinations such as Egypt or the Canary Islands.
Services and security manager at Cardiff Airport Ceri Mashlan claimed staff at the facility are getting into the festive spirit.
"We're hoping the weather doesn't take a turn for the worse but have plans in place to ensure we're prepared and are able to keep disruptions to a minimum," he said.
Similar predictions were recently made by Bristol Airport, which expects more than 90,000 passengers to travel from its terminals over the Christmas season.
Cardiff Airport offers return tickets prize
Mon, 01 Nov, 2010
Cardiff Airport and Flybe have teamed up to offer holidaymakers the chance to win a pair of return tickets on any Flybe direct services from the facility.
The company promoted its Rewards4all loyalty scheme and promoted the number of services which the tickets can be won for, including Paris, Belfast City, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Jersey and Paris.
"We value our customers and Flybe's loyalty scheme Rewards4all allows all our passengers to earn points whenever they fly, whatever the fare, and these points can be redeemed for free flights," said the carrier.
Flybe also announced its new summer schedule for 2011 from Cardiff Airport, which will see the airline put on 96 weekly flights to a range of destinations across the UK and Europe.
Last month, bmibaby promoted the launch of its new service from Cardiff Airport which will fly directly to Munich, allowing travellers to reach the German city in time to experience its renowned Christmas markets.
Cardiff Airport receives Charlotte Church
Fri, 04 Jun, 2010
Charlotte Church was at Cardiff Airport this week for a flight to the Mediterranean with her two children, Ruby and Dexter.
According to the Daily Mirror, the 24-year-old singer and Over the Rainbow judge flew from the hub to a "mystery" destination as she sought to "get away" from the media attention focused on her following her split from long-term partner and fiance Gavin Henson.
Cardiff City offers flights to almost 50 European hotspots, including more than a dozen along the Mediterranean Sea.
Charter routes are available to locations such as Corfu, Kefalonia, Rhodes, Malta, Ibiza and Fuerteventura among others, but it is not known where Church has decided to go.
Henson, 28, who plays rugby for Magners League side Ospreys, has already jetted off from the UK to enjoy a holiday of his own with friends.
According to media reports, Benidorm in Spain was the Welsh centre's chosen destination.
Cardiff Airport boss aims to reach top 10 for UK passenger numbers
Mon, 05 Oct, 2009
A Cardiff Airport boss has said the Welsh Airport is aiming to reach the top 10 for UK passenger numbers, despite falling to 20th place last week.
Southampton Airport overtook Cardiff Airport as Civil Aviation Authority figures showed the number of passengers travelling to and from its terminal fell by almost 300,000 over the course of 2008/09.
Steve Hodgetts, Cardiff Airport business development and commercial director, told the Western Mail: "I'm not going to get aggrieved about going from 19th to 20th."
"I would rather be in the top 10. I think that's the sort of ambition we should be setting for Wales."
He added that he believed passengers would return to Cardiff Airport thanks to the increased number of chartered flights to Egypt this winter and a new weekly service to Orlando being launched in May 2010 by UK airline Flyglobespan.
Flights to Florida with the airline will start at £170 per person.
Cardiff Airport passengers offered "tranquil" holiday option
Fri, 22 May, 2009
Cardiff Airport passengers have been offered a new "tranquil" holiday option.
Bmibaby has launched flights to Menorca from the hub, which will depart every Friday and Sunday until October 31st of this year.
Fares start from £36.99 one way, including taxes and charges and the firm expects to carry over 13,600 customers on the route this summer.
Managing director at the company Crawford Rix suggested the Balearic destination could be perfect for families, couples and explorers alike.
"[It] has many beautiful white sandy beaches, unexplored coves and ravines. The capital city Mahon is steeped in history and offers a great base from which to explore the rest of the island," he said.
Mr Rix added the ticket price means "people can still afford to get away this summer".
Those who decide to take the organisation up on its offer could also be interested in the airport parking options at the Welsh facility.
It is located close to the M4 motorway and drivers with a satnav device installed in their car can input the postcode CF62 3BD to get a number of directional options.
Cardiff Airport passengers offered "fantastic" deals
Thu, 14 May, 2009
Cardiff Airport passengers have been offered a "fantastic" deal on flights to Ireland.
Until midnight on Sunday (May 17th), child tickets on Aer Arann's routes to Cork and Dublin will be subject to a 75 per cent discount.
The firm remarked the country was great for a holiday, highlighting its beaches and the capital city's zoo.
Director of corporate affairs at the firm Andrew Kelly said it was one of their "best offers yet".
"We would encourage everyone to book now before it is too late. Cork and Dublin offer fantastic amenities for kids and adults alike so there really has never been a better time to plan that family trip," he stated.
The organisation also reminded customers it offers a free checked baggage allowance of up to 15 kilograms and a check-in system that does not incur a charge.
People driving to the Welsh facility are advised it is located close to J 33 on the M4.
Those with a savnav installed in their car can input the postcode CF62 3BD to discover the easiest route to its airport parking.
Increased weekend passengers expected at Cardiff Airport
Thu, 19 Mar, 2009
Cardiff Airport is set for a busy time this weekend as around 4,500 rugby fans are expected to descend on the hub.
The large number of Irish supporters will be arriving ahead of their country's appearance in the final Six Nations test match taking place on Saturday March 21st.
It is thought the busiest times will be between 08:30 and 13:00 GMT on the day of the game and between 22:00 and 01:00 GMT for passengers catching return flights.
Russell Clements, director of operations at the airport, said a similarly busy period had been experienced before as part of the event when Welsh fans left for Edinburgh to see their team take on Scotland last month.
"With Cardiff becoming renowned for its sporting events, especially rugby games, we're gaining more and more experience in dealing with big air lifts at the airport, and are always well prepared," he added.
The hub operates a car park for drivers meeting arriving passengers that is free for stays of fewer than 20 minutes.
Cardiff Airport set for facelift
Mon, 02 Mar, 2009
Cardiff Airport is to undergo redevelopment due to begin later this year.
As well as changing its name from Cardiff International Airport to simply Cardiff Airport or Maes Awyr Caerdydd, the building will have changes made to its design and layout, TravelMole reports.
The departures and arrivals halls will become one place and new services will be available.
Patrick Duffy, managing director, said that the redevelopment, which includes a new logo, would provide "a more discerning image domestically and internationally".
It is planned that the facelift will be completed by summer next year.
This would have it finished in plenty of time for the Ryder Cup, which will take place in Wales in October 2010.
Air passengers should book airport parking online in advance in order to get the best prices.
The airport provides scheduled flights to destinations including Geneva, Paris and Malaga, while charter flights can be taken to places such as Ibiza, Malta, Sharm el Sheik and Corfu.
Cardiff Airport to be renamed
Fri, 02 Jan, 2009
Cardiff Airport looks set to be renamed in an effort to boost the image of the Welsh hub and attract more passengers.
According to the Daily Telegraph, brand experts have been working on a list of possible titles with links to Wales.
Airport bosses believe a new name will do the same for Cardiff Airport as it did for Liverpool Airport when it was renamed after John Lennon.
Suggestions for Cardiff include Zeta-Jones International, the Shirley Bassey Gateway and Gavin and Stacey Airport.
However, not everyone is a fan of the proposed names. Welsh advertising expert Jason Gill said he hopes the marketing team does not succumb to "celebrity-craved popcorn culture".
"Liverpool got it spot on with the name and the branding. We must do the same," he insisted, adding: "I would like to see Anthony Hopkins or the late Richard Burton or Roald Dahl be considered."
Cardiff Airport operates flights to countries across Europe as well as North America and the Caribbean.
New flights from Cardiff to Menorca
Wed, 24 Dec, 2008
New flights from Cardiff Airport to Menorca are to begin next spring, giving holidaymakers even better access to the Balearic Islands.
Services will be operated by bmibaby and will commence on May 21st 2009. Two flights a week will leave Cardiff, on Thursdays and Sundays.
According to Cardiff Airport, bmibaby is the only low-cost airline to fly this route and it expects to carry more than 13,500 passengers during the summer.
"By launching this new service we are offering customers a unique summer destination at fantastically low fares," said bmibaby managing director Crawford Rix.
He said Menorca is a beautiful destinations that is perfect for a weekend break or a family holiday and the new service will therefore appeal to a wide range of travellers.
Cardiff Airport expects to welcome 38,000 passengers between December 22nd and January 1st. The Welsh hub said that 470 passenger flights are expected during this period.
Cardiff to Barcelona service to launch in May
Wed, 09 Apr, 2008
Budget airline bmibaby is to launch a new service between Cardiff Airport and the Catalonian city of Barcelona next month.
The route will operate twice a week, on Tuesdays and Saturdays, when it launches on May 24th. The airline will then add a Wednesday flight from June 18th to cater for the anticipated high demand of the summer months.
Fares on the route start from £24.99 one way, including taxes and charges.
The carrier recently started operating a new service from Cardiff Airport to the Polish city of Gdansk.
As a result, bmibaby now flies to 13 European destinations from the Welsh capital and managing director Crawford Rix indicated that it had plans to further expand its operations in the principality.
"We will continue to add more dots to the map to strengthen our position as the largest low-cost carrier from Cardiff," said Mr Crawford.
Bristol International Airport to host local bands
Tue, 25 Sep, 2007
Visitors to Bristol International Airport could be in for a treat as the normal tedium of checking in is transformed into an entertaining arena by local artists.
Bands and talented musicians have been invited to play in front of the hoards of travellers the airport handles every day.
Airport officials hope that the scheme will help to promote local talent and the south-west region as a whole.
Bristol International’s customer experience manager Jacqui Mills comments that the event will transform the airport from a clinical environment to a cultural space.
"Airports are often perceived as clinical spaces which look the same the world over, we can provide a great first impression of the south-west and introduce them to some of the best new talent around," she notes.
The occasion will provide an "alternative travel experience", she adds.
Furthermore, aviation enthusiasts are being invited to Bristol International Airport on September 30th to enjoy the aviation fair being held in the old terminal building.