First Wales–Canada air link in nearly twenty years – and a major boost after Qatar setback

CARDIFF AIRPORT has announced a significant expansion of its long-haul offering with confirmation that WestJet will launch a new direct service to Toronto next summer.

The non-stop flights, beginning on 23 May 2026, will create the first direct air link between Wales and Canada in nearly two decades.

A major boost after Qatar Airways withdrawal

The announcement comes after a difficult period for the airport, which suffered a major setback when Qatar Airways suspended its Cardiff–Doha service during the pandemic.
The route had operated for only two years and was widely viewed as transformational for Wales, offering global connectivity and prestige. While Qatar Airways has since resumed all of its other UK services, the Cardiff route has never returned — a loss that has been felt across the tourism and business sectors.

WestJet’s decision to select Cardiff as its exclusive airport in Wales and England for 2026 therefore represents a significant vote of confidence and a crucial step in rebuilding long-haul capacity.

Four flights a week

WestJet will run four weekly flights between Cardiff and Toronto Pearson International Airport. Travellers from Wales, the South West and the Midlands will gain a fast, convenient gateway to Canada, with easy onward connections to Vancouver, Calgary, Montreal and other North American destinations.

The new service forms part of the airline’s strategic UK growth plan and marks a key milestone in Cardiff Airport’s post-pandemic recovery. Passenger numbers have been steadily rising towards one million annually, supported by renewed investment and expanding leisure and long-haul options.

Strong support

Jon Bridge, Chief Executive Officer of Cardiff Airport, said the route was “a major step forward” for Wales.
“We’re incredibly proud that WestJet has chosen Cardiff Airport as a new UK destination for summer 2026,” he said.
“This Toronto route is an exciting milestone in our growth and a significant moment in reconnecting Wales with North America. After the loss of the Qatar Airways service during the pandemic, this represents a very welcome boost for our long-haul ambitions.”

Chris White-DeVries, Senior Airport Affairs Manager at WestJet, said the airline saw “huge potential” in Wales.
“Cardiff is a vibrant capital with a proud and rich history. This route will allow Canadian travellers to experience Wales’ incredible coastline and culture, while giving passengers here seamless access to Canada and beyond.”

Economic opportunity

First Minister Eluned Morgan MS welcomed the development, noting that Canada remains an important trade partner.
“This is good news for passengers, businesses and our tourism industries,” she said. “Canada is an export market worth over £300m a year, and this strengthens our reach ahead of the Wales Investment Summit on 1 December.”

Timely launch

The new route arrives just months before Canada co-hosts the FIFA World Cup 2026, offering new opportunities for tourism, business and cultural exchange between Wales and North America.

Toronto’s extensive onward network means long-haul travel from Wales will soon be easier and more accessible than at any point since the Qatar Airways era.

A GOODWICK hair salon is celebrating after scooping three major honours at a national ceremony in London.

Michelle Summers Davies, owner of MD Hair in Goodwick, Pembrokeshire, was named winner of Best Colour Salon, Best Boutique Salon, and Best Customer Service at the Salon Awards – an annual event recognising excellence and innovation across the UK hairdressing industry.

The awards are judged regionally by experienced industry professionals, with entries assessed on technical ability, creativity, client care and the overall salon experience.

Michelle’s salon impressed judges with its high standards, customer focus and consistent delivery of high-quality results.

Speaking after the ceremony, she said: “I am over the moon to receive these awards as they reflect years of passion, hard work, and dedication from our entire team. It’s a true celebration of our craft, our creativity, and our community. Thank you to our clients for supporting us every step of the way – we will continue delivering outstanding experiences for our clients.”

The Goodwick stylist is also a finalist for Wales & South West Hairdresser of the Year at the British Hairdressing Awards, which take place at the Grosvenor House Hotel on Park Lane next week.

Michelle has worked in the industry for more than thirty-five years and has been part of the Matrix UKI artistic team for nineteen years, contributing to national campaigns and salon education across the UK. She has also worked on the hair teams for the National Television Awards and The X Factor.

NEW figures show Wales’ planning system is facing severe pressure, with more than two-thirds of public sector planners saying their teams do not have the capacity to keep up with demand.

An updated State of the Profession survey by the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) found that 72% of planners working in the public sector in Wales report insufficient capacity within their teams.

A further 64% say they feel overstretched frequently or all of the time, raising concerns about the long-term sustainability of the service.

Workforce pressures

The survey highlights a looming staffing crisis, with 15% of planners indicating they expect to retire within the next three years, while 3% say they intend to leave the profession entirely.

RTPI says this combination of overstretch and attrition threatens the ability of planning authorities to deliver on key national priorities.

Impact on national priorities

According to RTPI Cymru, a lack of planning capacity puts Wales at risk of falling behind on major commitments, including:

• addressing the housing crisis
• delivering renewable energy projects
• improving water quality
• supporting resilient and sustainable rural communities

RTPI Cymru’s newly published Planifesto 2026 calls for renewed investment, stronger political commitment and a recognition that planning is “critical national infrastructure”.

Call for action

Mark Hand, Director of RTPI Cymru, said: “These figures paint a deeply concerning picture for planning in Wales. With so many planners overstretched and significant numbers nearing retirement, we cannot deliver the homes, infrastructure and climate action our communities urgently need without real investment in people and resources.

“Our Cymru Planifesto 2026 sets out a clear and positive pathway forward – but it requires political commitment and a recognition that planning is essential to Wales’ future prosperity, resilience and well-being.”