#cardiffairport — Public Fediverse posts

CARDIFF AIRPORT: Direct flights to Toronto launch in three weeks — here’s why Canada’s most exciting city should be on your radar this summer

Wales is about to get its first direct transatlantic air link in nearly 20 years – and the timing could not be better for a summer city break.

WestJet, Canada’s second largest airline, launches four weekly direct flights between Cardiff Airport and Toronto on 22 May – just three weeks away. It is the first time Wales has had a direct connection to Canada since 2008, and the airline has chosen Cardiff as its exclusive airport in Wales and England for the whole of 2026.

The last direct air link between Wales and Canada was operated by Zoom Airlines, which offered seasonal flights to Toronto before ceasing operations in 2008. Since then, travellers between Wales and Canada have had to rely on connecting services via London or other European hubs – making the WestJet service the first direct connection in nearly 20 years.

The flight time is around eight hours on a Boeing 737 MAX 8, making it a comfortable overnight trip that puts you in Toronto in time for breakfast. With four weekly departures, there is plenty of flexibility for both short breaks and longer stays.

Toronto itself is one of North America’s most visited and most liveable cities – a genuinely world-class destination that many UK travellers overlook in favour of New York. With a population of nearly three million and more than 200 languages spoken across the city, it is arguably the most culturally diverse city on the planet, and its food scene reflects that.

The city’s most iconic sight is the CN Tower – 553 metres tall, with observation decks, a glass floor and the EdgeWalk, billed as the world’s highest full-circle hands-free walk. But the real charm of Toronto lies in its neighbourhoods.

The Distillery District, a pedestrianised cobblestone quarter of repurposed Victorian industrial buildings, is home to galleries, breweries and independent restaurants. Kensington Market is cheaper and scrappier – vintage clothing, street food from around the world, and no chain restaurants in sight.

For the waterfront, the Toronto Islands are a short ferry ride from downtown and offer beaches, bike hire and sweeping views of the city skyline. Two to three days covers the highlights comfortably, with three to four days giving you room to breathe – and possibly a day trip. Niagara Falls is just 90 minutes away by car or tour bus, and the Blue Mountain ski and outdoor area is two hours north.

This summer is a particularly good moment to visit. Toronto is one of six host cities for the 2026 FIFA World Cup – jointly hosted by Canada, Mexico and the United States – with six group stage matches at BMO Field between 12 June and 2 July.

Tickets for the matches are not easy to come by, but the atmosphere across the city during the tournament is expected to be extraordinary, with fan zones, food festivals and events throughout the summer.

For those who want to go further, Toronto is also a gateway to the rest of Canada and North America. WestJet’s extensive network from Toronto Pearson International Airport includes onward connections to Vancouver, Calgary and Montreal – opening up the Rocky Mountains, the British Columbia coast and the French-speaking culture of Quebec to anyone flying via Cardiff.

Fares for the Cardiff to Toronto route are competitively priced, with one-way tickets available from around £300. Those flying during the World Cup period are advised to book accommodation well in advance – hotel prices in Toronto are expected to surge significantly during June and July.

The new WestJet service also arrives at a moment of renewed ambition for Cardiff Airport. Passenger numbers have been growing steadily toward one million a year, and the Welsh Government has committed long-term investment to strengthen the airport’s international links. The Toronto route is the most significant addition to the airport’s long-haul offering in a generation.

Whether you are planning a first visit to Canada, a long-awaited trip to see Niagara Falls, or simply want to spend a long weekend in one of the world’s great food cities – and with the government now acting to protect summer flights from disruption – the Cardiff to Toronto service makes transatlantic travel from Wales easier and more affordable than it has been for nearly two decades.

Planning your trip

WestJet Cardiff-Toronto
Four flights per week from 22 May 2026. Book at westjet.com

Onward connections from Toronto
WestJet connects to Vancouver, Calgary and Montreal across its North American network.

FIFA World Cup 2026
Six matches at BMO Field, Toronto, between 12 June and 2 July. Book accommodation well in advance if visiting during this period.

Government acts to protect summer flights from disruption
What the new consultation means for your summer holiday plans.

WestJet to launch direct Cardiff to Toronto flights in 2026
Our original report on the new route announcement.

Bristol Airport drags Welsh ministers to tribunal over £205m Cardiff Airport bailout

The two‑day hearing at the Competition Appeal Tribunal will examine whether ministers broke subsidy control rules when they approved a decade‑long financial rescue plan for the publicly owned airport.

The case — filed last summer — argues the subsidy amounts to a taxpayer‑funded advantage that could lure passengers and airlines away from Bristol Airport, which serves around 10 million travellers a year and draws heavily from South Wales.

According to the appeal documents, Bristol Airport claims the Welsh Government’s investment equates to £71.50 per Cardiff Airport passenger, accusing ministers of effectively “paying people to go on holiday”.

The challenge also alleges Cardiff Airport should have been treated as an “ailing or insolvent enterprise”, a legal classification that would have triggered stricter checks before public money could be handed over.

The Welsh Government has repeatedly defended its decision, saying it will “fight for our ability to invest” in the airport’s long‑term future. Ministers argue the funding will support new hangars, maintenance facilities, cargo capacity and new global routes designed to boost Wales’s economy.

But the tribunal filing shows the Competition and Markets Authority’s Subsidy Advice Unit had already raised concerns, recommending more evidence on the subsidy’s proportionality, its impact on competition, and whether the airport could realistically deliver the promised economic benefits.

Welsh Conservatives: “A bottomless pit of taxpayers’ money”

The legal battle has reignited fierce political criticism, with the Welsh Conservatives accusing Labour ministers of pouring public money into a failing airport.

Shadow Transport Secretary Sam Rowlands MS said the case exposed “reckless spending” by the Welsh Government.

“Labour and Plaid Cymru have already sunk more than £200 million of taxpayers’ money into this failing nationalised airport — that’s around £286 per household across Wales,” he said.

“Now, even more public money will be wasted on legal costs to defend this subsidy. People across Wales are rightly asking what they are getting in return.”

Rowlands said the airport should be sold to the private sector “so it can survive, succeed and stop draining taxpayers’ money”.

Andrew RT Davies: “You can throw all the money you like at it…”

Former Welsh Conservative leader Andrew RT Davies MS said ministers must explain what the £205 million handout has actually delivered.

“We all want to see a thriving airport, as it would bring huge benefits to the economy of South Wales,” he said. “But competent leadership is a necessary ingredient to achieving that.”

Davies warned that “a bottomless pit of money” would not fix the airport without strategic direction, pointing to the fact that Qatar Airways — once a flagship long‑haul partner — has still not resumed flights to Cardiff.

“Since they bought Cardiff Airport, Senedd ministers have spent over £400 million of taxpayers’ money on it,” he said. “Given this level of investment, the airport should be in a far better position than it is.”

What happens next?

A panel of three, chaired by barrister Ben Tidswell, will hear Bristol Airport’s appeal against the subsidy and the response of Welsh ministers.

Bristol Airport is asking the tribunal to quash the subsidy, declare it unlawful, and — if necessary — order the Welsh Government to recover any money already handed over.

The Welsh Government said it would present its case “through the proper legal process” and declined to comment further.

The outcome could have major implications not only for Cardiff Airport’s future, but for how devolved governments across the UK support strategic infrastructure.

Related stories from Swansea Bay News

WestJet to launch direct Cardiff–Toronto flights
Canadian airline announces new long‑haul link from Cardiff Airport.

Ex‑brewery boss takes over at Cardiff Airport
New chief executive appointed amid funding rows and route uncertainty.

Cardiff Airport celebrates summer growth
Passenger numbers rise, but recovery remains only halfway to pre‑Covid levels.

Bristol Airport demands detail on subsidy
Legal teams push Welsh Government for clarity over multi‑million‑pound support package.

TUI announces new routes from Cardiff Airport
Holiday giant expands its programme with new destinations and extra flights.

WestJet to launch direct Cardiff–Toronto flights in 2026

According to Cardiff Airport, the new service will operate four times a week from 23 May 2026, offering passengers from Wales, the South West of England, and the Midlands a new transatlantic option. The route is expected to provide onward connections via Toronto Pearson International Airport to destinations across WestJet’s North American network, including Vancouver, Calgary and Montreal.

WestJet has selected Cardiff as its exclusive UK airport for 2026. Cardiff Airport says the move reflects growing demand for international travel from the region and supports its post-pandemic recovery, with passenger numbers reportedly approaching one million per year.

The last direct air link between Cardiff and Canada was operated by Zoom Airlines, which offered seasonal flights to Toronto before ceasing operations in 2008. Since then, travellers between Wales and Canada have relied on connecting services via London or other European hubs. Cardiff Airport is positioning the new WestJet route as a revival of that long-lost connection, with hopes of long-term sustainability and broader North American access.

Jon Bridge, Chief Executive Officer of Cardiff Airport, said:

“We’re incredibly proud that WestJet has chosen Cardiff Airport as a new UK destination for summer 2026. This new Toronto route marks an exciting milestone in our growth and a major step forward in reconnecting Wales with North America. It will strengthen tourism, create new opportunities for trade and investment, and showcase Wales on the global stage.”

WestJet’s Senior Airport Affairs Manager, Chris White-DeVries, said:

“We’re thrilled to bring WestJet’s friendly, affordable and reliable service to Wales for the first time. Cardiff is a vibrant capital with a proud and rich history, and we see huge potential in connecting it directly with Toronto, a key gateway to North America.

“This route will make it easier than ever for Canadian travellers to discover Wales’ stunning coastlines and culture, while giving guests across Wales and western England seamless access to Eastern Canada and beyond.”

The announcement comes ahead of Canada’s co-hosting of the FIFA World Cup in 2026 and is being positioned by Cardiff Airport as a boost to tourism, business, and cultural exchange.

Welsh Government representatives also welcomed the move. First Minister Eluned Morgan MS said:

“This is welcome news for passengers, businesses and our tourism industries, both in Wales and Canada. With good connections to other Canadian cities, the new Toronto route will open up new economic opportunities for Wales in North America.

“We have around 35 Canadian companies in Wales, employing around 6,500 people, while Canada is an export market worth over £300m a year. Ahead of our Wales Investment Summit on 1st December, this is a positive example of how we are opening up international opportunities for people and businesses in Wales.”

WestJet’s Cardiff–Toronto service is scheduled to begin on 23 May 2026.

#airTravel #calgary #canada #cardiffAirport #elunedMorganMs #fifaWorldCup2026 #montreal #toronto #torontoPearsonInternationalAirport #transatlantic #vancouver #westjet

Low-cost airline boosts Malaga flights from Cardiff

Vueling have announced that from 24 June 2025, the number of departure flights from Cardiff to Málaga will increase to 4 weekly, flying every Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday.

This increases further to 5 weekly departure flights from 16 September to 25 October 2025, flying every Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday.

Málaga is the capital of the Costa del Sol and one of the major cities in Spain. Its old town, with its bustling harbour, has been declared a Historic Artistic Site and Site of Cultural Interest. Its sixteen beaches and numerous leisure opportunities, sports or golf courses, combine with an attractive monumental heritage and network of world-class museums.

Vueling Airlines currently offers direct flights to Alicante and Málaga from Cardiff.

Lee Smith, Head of Business Development at Cardiff Airport, said: “Our customers have been asking for more choice of flights on key routes like Málaga.

“I am really pleased that Vueling has responded to the demand and we look forward to welcoming more passengers on these services at Cardiff Airport.

“Vueling is a key airline partner, operating from Wales for over 12 years, connecting Wales to key cities in Spain, allowing tourism and business connectivity.

“We look forward to working with the Vueling team to continue increasing its services from Wales.”

(Lead image: Vueling / Cardiff Airport)

#CardiffAirport #Malaga #Spain #tourism #Vueling