Cardiff Airport celebrates launch of major new route
Nation.Cymru staff
There were celebrations at Cardiff Airport today as a landmark new direct route from Wales was launched.
Cabinet Minister Adam Price MS joined guests and passengers to mark the new direct transatlantic service between Cardiff Airport and Toronto.
The first ever direct WestJet flight from Toronto Pearson International Airport to Cardiff Airport, has landed, officially introducing the first direct Canada service in nearly 20 years and opening a new gateway to North America for passengers across South Wales, the South West of England and the Midlands.
The new route will operate with four departures per week using WestJet’s Boeing 737-8 MAX aircraft and restores an important international connection between Wales and Canada, creating new opportunities for tourism, trade, investment and cultural exchange.
Guests attending the inaugural event included Cabinet Minister for Enterprise, Connectivity and Energy, Adam Price MS; Leader of the Vale of Glamorgan Council, Cllr Lis Burnett, and Lord-Lieutenant of South Glamorgan, Morfudd Meredith, alongside dignitaries from Canada including Ontario’s Agent-General in London, Sophia Arvanitis and key industry partners such as Visit Wales.
To celebrate this momentous occasion, passengers on board the inaugural flight from Toronto Pearson International Airport to Cardiff were greeted with a traditional water cannon salute, while local Penarth choir, Criw Canu welcomed the WestJet crew, operational senior leadership teams and customers with a rendition of Welsh songs at the aircraft steps.
Passengers and guests were also treated to cupcakes at the boarding gate ahead of the first departure, adding to the celebratory atmosphere.
Toronto’s Pearson International is a significant hub Airport where people can connect onto over 100 destinations across Canada and the United States including Calgary, Halifax, Vancouver and Florida.
Adam Price MS, Cabinet Minister for Enterprise, Connectivity and Energy, said: “WestJet’s inaugural flight from Cardiff to Toronto is a powerful signal to the world that our nation is open for business.
“Direct transatlantic connectivity like this is exactly what Welsh businesses need to reach new markets, attract investment and grow and it reinforces our ambition to make Wales one of the best-connected economies in the UK.
“Cardiff Airport is a vital piece of our economic infrastructure, and today’s milestone is something to celebrate.”
Jon Bridge, Chief Executive Officer of Cardiff Airport, said: “Today is a landmark moment for Cardiff Airport and Wales. The arrival of WestJet’s direct service gives customers easier access to Toronto and onward destinations across North America, it firmly strengthens Cardiff Airport’s position as the international gateway for Wales. We are proud to welcome WestJet and excited about the long-term potential of this partnership.”
Chris White-DeVries, WestJet Senior Manager Hub Strategy and Airport Affairs, said: “The launch of service between Cardiff and Toronto is an exciting milestone both for WestJet and the communities the route serves. WestJet’s new seasonal offering makes it easier for more people to discover everything South Wales and Canada have to offer, while staying closely connected to friends, family and business opportunities. Cardiff plays an important role in our growing transatlantic network, and we are proud to offer our guests from Wales more convenient access to Canada.”
Flight schedule
Toronto (YYZ) to Cardiff (CWL) departs 22:10 (Mon, Wed, Fri, and Sat)
Cardiff (CWL) to Toronto (YYZ) departs 11:35 (Mon, Tues, Thurs, and Sat)
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Excellent development. Hopefully, it will be well subscribed for direct flights to Toronto – a fantastic city – along with people using it as a hub to explore Canada (and the north of the USA). Cardiff’s long runway can accommodate larger planes, so that should open up longer haul routes.
The big win is for anyone heading to the US who can clear US immigration in Toronto, potentially reducing the chance of being waterboarded by ICE on arrival.
Don’t you believe it. US immigration in Toronto can be just as much of a PITA as those actually in the states. I’ve done it several times and even more land crossings from various other places in Canada. This was in pre Trump years and it was always a challenge even then.
Didn’t say it was easy or pleasant. Just that they would be more restrained operating on international soil.
Why anyone would want to go to the US is beyond me as long as the orangutan is President
No, but there are plenty of Americans who would love to visit Wales
Bristol Airport must be throwing toys out of its pram.
Hopefully.
Good news but history says it’ll be stopped in 4-6 months or when the subsidy is halted.
I’ve no advice for Cardiff airport. These smaller airports seems to have bad their day. Yes
Still big missing flight is Qatar Airlines which used to have a direct flight to Doha but not anymore
Bet it never returns after world cup
This should get a nice tantrum from Bristol Airport.
Welsh Government but again its controlled by the bloody London governments again Scotland and Northern Ireland governments control their own airports again we DO NOT if we want something they say it will damage Bristol Airport but its okay to damage Cardiff Airport if Reform or Tories have their way they would shut Cardiff Airport A FUTURE INDEPENDENT WALES NEEDS AN AIRPORT
Leave cardiff air port grow before you start pulling it to peaces i personaly hate bristol air port keep going the welsh im a belirver in cardiff air port give it a chance
And hospitals
One lone voice in protest…
Nils Lofgren ‘Keith Don’t Go’…for music lovers…
Wow, there’s a lot of negativity here. There are countries and regions smaller than Wales that have sustained long-haul routes perfectly well — Belfast, Luxembourg and the Baltic states being some examples. Those who complain about previous Welsh Governments investing in Cardiff Airport rarely complain about the UK Government refusal to devolve Air Passenger Duty to Wales, simply to protect Bristol’s self interests. Cardiff Airport is not just about people from South Wales flying out on holiday. It’s also about bringing tourists, visitors, business links and investment into Wales, contributing to the Welsh economy. Where previous Welsh Governments have gone… Read more »
My flight was diverted to Cardiff yesterday, they would not let us off the plane for 1 hour and the had to wait another 1 half hours for our luggage, ground staff didn’t have a clue.kept telling us in 15 minutes, in 15 minutes, anymore the 5 planes a day and they are knackered, no facilities when you land, no facilities at the check in area. Not sure what the Welsh government have invested 300 million on, I would shut it down.
I noticed on FR24 that Bristol was closed for a while, did they explain why? Unsubstantiated internet speculation suggested a cracked runway. Presumably the airline were kept you on the plane hoping they could finish the original journey as planned. There’s a Costa outside arrivals and Greggs upstairs before security.
Not the first time Cardiff has had fights to Canada, judging by past experience it wont last the catchment area for Cardiff is too small. Cardiff wont ever be able to compete with Bristol.
The only way this airline will survive is if its being subsidised, you watch the Welsh assembly members queuing up for their free inaugural flights and photo opportunities.