CARDIFF AIRPORT GUIDE (CWL)

QUICK FACTS Name: Cardiff Airport IATA Code: CWL ICAO Code: EGFF Opened: 1942 Terminals: 1 Runways: 1 Destinations served: 43 Passengers: 1.5m (2009)

HISTORY

Unlike some of the other airports in the U.K., this airport was originally developed as a military institution before it became a commercial one.  Established in 1940 at the onset of World War II, Cardiff Airport housed many a military aircraft before officially being opened for public usage during the 1950’s.

Between the years 1931 and 1954, Cardiff Municipal Airport held its operations at Pengam Moors, Cardiff Bay. During the early years, the site was mainly used as an airfield and training base for Royal Air Force Spitfire pilots. It was only in 1952 when the first commercial flight was made, courtesy of Aer Lingus. Air Lingus has been flying to Dublin since then. 

In April of 1954, Cardiff Municipal Airport relocated to Rhoose, a village that lies 12 miles west of the center of Cardiff. Soon after, a new terminal building was constructed, and flights to Cork, France and Belfast became possible. As the number of charter holidays increased, so did the number of passengers flying in and out of Cardiff Airport. By 1962, passengers served by Cardiff Airport totaled 100,000.

Three years later, airport control was transferred to Glamorgan County Council. As more flights became possible, streams of investments poured in, leading to more developments, including the construction of a terminal and control tower and the extension of the airport's sole runaway.

From 100,000, the number of passengers dramatically increased to 250,000 during the early parts of 1980s. Three years into the 90s decade, the number increased further to 750,000, requiring more developments and improvements. Around this time, the airport was renamed Cardiff-Wales Airport.

April of 1995 would prove to be significant for the Airport Company as it is during this time that it was privatized. Buying out its shares was TBI Plc., a Welsh property and development firm. Under the new management, Cardiff Airport went on to become one of the most highly trusted and reliable airports in United Kingdom and the only Welsh airport with international scheduled flights. Now a main hub of British Airways, Cardiff International Airport also houses companies and educational institutions dealing with aerospace. And not far from the terminals are Cardiff Airport Parking garages for both short-term and long-term needs.

From its very humble beginnings, Cardiff International Airport has greatly improved the economy of Wales, servicing more flights to more destinations and benefiting close to 2 million passengers yearly. In fact, Cardiff International Airport ranks in the top 20 airports in United Kingdom with the most number of passengers.