CARDIFF AIRPORT has welcomed more than one million passengers over the past 12 months, marking a major milestone in its continued recovery.

New Civil Aviation Authority figures also show the airport was the second-fastest growing in the UK in the first quarter of 2026, with passenger numbers up 24 per cent compared with the same period last year.

The airport said the growth reflected increasing demand for flights from Wales, with airlines expanding services and adding more destinations.

New routes boost numbers

Recent developments include the launch of WestJet’s direct Cardiff to Toronto service, offering onward connections across Canada and the United States.

TUI is also basing a fourth aircraft at Cardiff this summer, with new destinations including Hurghada in Egypt, Faro in Portugal, Fuerteventura in the Canary Islands, and Kittilä in Finland.

Crystal Ski has introduced new winter flights to Turin in Italy, following strong demand for Chambéry in France and Salzburg in Austria.

Additional TUI capacity has also been added to Antalya, Gran Canaria, Palma, Enfidha and Tenerife.

Rugby fans add to milestone

Cardiff Airport said more than 19,000 international rugby fans travelled through the airport during the EPCR Challenge Cup Final, Investec Champions Cup Final and Six Nations fixtures.

The airport has also reported a 14 per cent rise in passengers compared with the 2024/25 financial year, while Ryanair is operating its busiest-ever summer programme from Cardiff.

Jon Bridge, chief executive of Cardiff Airport, said: “Welcoming more than one million passengers is a major milestone for Cardiff Airport and a clear sign of the growing demand for flights from Wales.

“To be recognised by the Civil Aviation Authority as the second fastest-growing airport in the UK is a fantastic achievement and reflects the hard work of our colleagues and partners, as well as the confidence passengers and airlines continue to place in Cardiff.

“We are focused on building on this momentum, expanding connectivity and delivering long-term benefits for Wales and the wider economy.”

Push to restore Qatar link

Despite the recent growth, questions remain over whether Cardiff Airport can restore one of its most important long-haul connections — the direct Qatar Airways service to Doha.

The route, which launched in 2018 and provided a key global hub connection to Asia, Australia and the Middle East, was suspended during the Covid pandemic and has yet to return.

Cardiff remains the only former UK Qatar Airways destination not to have seen the service resume after the pandemic.

Efforts to bring the airline back are continuing. The Welsh Government has previously said Cardiff Airport executives remain in commercial negotiations with Qatar Airways over the possible return of the Doha route, with ministers saying they would welcome its resumption when the timing is right for both sides.

The loss of the service has been keenly felt by business and leisure travellers from Wales, many of whom now travel via London, Birmingham or Manchester for long-haul flights.

Before its suspension, the Doha route offered onward connections to destinations across Asia, Australasia and the Far East, including Thailand, Japan and Australia.

Economic impact

Cardiff Airport says it supports thousands of jobs across South Wales and contributes more than £200 million annually to the Welsh economy.

Alongside passenger growth, the airport said cargo remains a major strategic focus, with opportunities to grow freight capacity, attract new commercial partnerships and strengthen the airport’s long-term resilience.

Haverfordwest café praised as small independent business flies flag for Pembrokeshire

A HAVERFORDWEST café has been named as a semi-finalist for Best Turkish Restaurant in Wales.

Turkish Kitchen & Café, based on Quay Street, has been recognised in the awards, with local representatives visiting to congratulate the team.

Castle Ward county councillor Thomas Tudor attended the café with Henry Tufnell MP to wish the business well in the next stage of the competition.

Hatice Eltan, from Turkish Kitchen, said: “As a small independent café, achievements like this would not be possible without our amazing customers, friends, and local community.

“Thank you for your continued support — we are proud to represent our town and look forward to what comes next.”

Cllr Tudor said it had been “lovely” to visit the café and congratulate the team on reaching the semi-finals.

The business, which has built up a strong local following, is now hoping to progress further in the Welsh awards.

Photo caption: Congratulations: Cllr Thomas Tudor and Henry Tufnell MP visited Hatice Eltan at Turkish Kitchen & Café on Quay Street, Haverfordwest.

TWO PEMBROKESHIRE hotels have secured a leading international environmental accreditation.

St Brides Spa Hotel in Saundersfoot and Tŷ Hotel Milford Waterfront have both achieved ISO 14001 certification, an independently audited standard recognising strong environmental management and continuous improvement.

The hotels are part of The Celtic Collection, Wales’ largest independent hotel group, which has now achieved the standard across all ten of its hotels in South Wales, as well as International Convention Centre Wales.

SUSTAINABILITY FOCUS

The accreditation recognises work already being carried out at the two Pembrokeshire hotels, including carbon reduction strategies, zero waste to landfill, and improved recycling systems.

Food waste from the hotels is sent to be turned into biogas renewable energy, while waste oil is converted into biodiesel.

Both hotels also work with local and seasonal suppliers, including Pembrokeshire food producers, helping to reduce food miles while supporting farmers and fishermen in the county.

The Celtic Collection said the certification builds on more than 30 years of sustainable business practice and follows the group achieving Green Dragon Level 4 status in 2025.

‘RESPONSIBLE BUSINESS’

Russell Phillips, Vice-President of Facilities and Development at The Celtic Collection said: “Across The Celtic Collection we combine exceptional hospitality and large-scale event capability with a commitment to responsible delivery.

“This is now all underpinned by ISO 14001, which ensures we are continually reducing our impact on the environment.

“Achieving ISO 14001 has been a long-held goal for The Celtic Collection and demonstrates our investment in and commitment to becoming a more responsible business.”

Energy and Sustainability Manager Fitzroy Hutchinson said colleagues across the hotels had played a key role in the achievement.

He said: “A key focus for the team has been the successful activation of colleagues in driving positive and continuous change.

“At each of our hotels, Environmental Working Parties include representatives from across the business to ensure sound environmental practice is part of everyday, and that new ideas are brought forward frequently.”

CERTIFICATION PRAISED

William Christie, Director of accrediting body A Cube TIC said: “We recognise that this journey requires commitment, leadership and hard work from everyone.

“This is required to not only achieve the certification but also to maintain the certification.

“This is a remarkable milestone that reflects strong commitment to environmental responsibility and sustainable business practices.”

Photo caption: Green standard: Team members at St Brides Spa Hotel and Tŷ Hotel Milford Waterfront celebrate achieving ISO 14001 certification.