NEARLY four in ten flights departing from Cardiff Airport during July have been delayed by at least 15 minutes in recent years, according to new analysis of aviation data.

Figures examined by travel website Locals Insider show that 38.8 per cent of Cardiff departures were delayed across the four Julys between 2022 and 2025.

However, the Welsh airport performed better than many of the UK’s largest and busiest airports, including Gatwick, Manchester, Edinburgh, Luton, Birmingham, Bristol, Stansted and Heathrow.

The research analysed more than 700,000 flights using data published by the Civil Aviation Authority.

A total of 3,374 Cardiff flights were included in the study, with just over six in ten departing less than 15 minutes behind schedule.

Gatwick recorded the highest proportion of delayed flights, at 57.4 per cent, followed by Manchester at 51.1 per cent and Edinburgh at 50.3 per cent.

Almost half of flights from Bristol Airport, which is used by many passengers from South Wales, were delayed by at least 15 minutes. Bristol recorded a delay rate of 47.3 per cent, more than eight percentage points higher than Cardiff.

Heathrow also performed slightly worse than Cardiff, with 40.7 per cent of flights delayed.

Cardiff placed 11th in the table of 23 airports, meaning its performance was broadly in the middle of the airports examined.

The most reliable airport in the analysis was Belfast City, where 29.2 per cent of flights were delayed. Aberdeen recorded a rate of 30.1 per cent, while Liverpool stood at 30.6 per cent.

Martin Danemaq, a spokesperson for Locals Insider, said: “A delay rate of nearly four in ten July flights means that Cardiff Airport passengers are facing a meaningful level of disruption during the summer peak.

“While it sits below the very worst performers nationally, it is still a figure that travellers in Wales should be aware of when planning their summer getaway.”

The figures count any flight departing at least 15 minutes late as delayed. They do not indicate the average length of each delay or how many flights were cancelled.

Passengers travelling during the busy summer holiday period are advised to check their flight status before leaving home and to allow additional time for check-in and security.

TENBY Lifeboats RNLI has presented a framed crew photograph to The Dennis Café on Castle Beach in recognition of the support it provides throughout the year.

The café has become a valued friend of the lifeboat station, regularly helping with crew social events and barbecues, as well as providing a convenient venue for meetings.

Members of the crew visited the café to hand over the photograph, which shows the Tenby lifeboat team gathered outside the town’s distinctive lifeboat station.

A spokesperson for Tenby Lifeboats RNLI said: “From crew socials and barbecues to providing us with a place for crew meetings, they have always got our backs.

“Thanks a lot. It’s much appreciated.”

The framed picture will now be displayed at the popular Castle Beach café as a lasting reminder of the close relationship between the business and Tenby’s volunteer lifeboat crew.

PHOTO: Tenby Lifeboats RNLI presents a framed crew photograph to The Dennis Café on Castle Beach.

A LOCAL pet treat business has celebrated a major milestone after opening its second shop on Narberth High Street.

The Pembrokeshire Pet Bakery welcomed customers through the doors of its new Narberth store on Saturday, marking the latest stage in the growth of the independent business founded by Ali and Kelly.

Despite the hot weather, the opening attracted a strong turnout, with customers visiting to explore the bakery’s range of nutritious and colourful treats for dogs, cats and other much-loved pets.

The new premises joins the company’s established Haverfordwest store, allowing the team to serve customers from two Pembrokeshire town centres.

Ali and Kelly said the opening had been the result of years of hard work, determination and belief in their business.

They said: “What started as a big dream is now a reality, and seeing everyone flock through the doors on Saturday, despite the heat, has been one of our proudest moments to date.

“We are still pinching ourselves, to be honest, and it probably won’t sink in for a while yet.”

The pair also thanked residents and neighbouring businesses for the warm welcome they had received since arriving in Narberth.

They added: “The response and support from our friends, followers, customers and visitors has been absolutely incredible.

“Thank you doesn’t seem to cut it, but thank you all so very much. We are a little overwhelmed.”

The Pembrokeshire Pet Bakery specialises in fun and nutritious handmade treats, with products available for a range of animals including dogs, cats, rabbits, horses, birds and small pets.

The owners said they were now looking forward to building on the success of the opening weekend and continuing to serve customers in both Narberth and Haverfordwest.

The new shop adds another independent name to Narberth’s busy High Street, which is widely known for its mix of locally owned shops, cafés and specialist businesses.

Picture caption: Ali and Kelly outside the new Pembrokeshire Pet Bakery shop on Narberth High Street.