Cardiff Airport History

Cardiff Airport is the only international airport in Wales, and is by far the largest, serving in the realms of 1.6 million passengers each year. Located in the capital city of Wales, it is a bustling hub for both domestic and international travel.

The history of Cardiff Airport can be traced back the first half of the 20th Century, when the Second World War was dominating global events.

The war years

Cardiff Airport first became active in 1942, when it started to be used by a military training unit. It was not until the 1950s that the commercial potential of the airfield started to be tapped into. Early on in that decade, Aer Lingus started flying passengers from Cardiff to Dublin. Soon afterwards the airline was transporting people to France, Belfast and Cork.

In 1965, control of the airport was passed from the Ministry of Defence to Glamorgan County Council, formally marking its transformation from military base into a centre of travel.

The 1970s and 1980s

The first trans-Atlantic flight from Cardiff Airport occurred in 1971. The main runway was doubled in size to 7,000 feet, in order to accommodate newer wide aircrafts. Passenger levels soared in the early 1980s, as links were established with the Mediterranean and Canada. A new runway extension enabled the airport to handle 747 jumbo jets.

Recent developments

Travel was made even more convenient for passengers at Cardiff Airport after the new millennium. Terminals were expanded and 700 new Cardiff Airport parking spaces were created. Airparks Cardiff has continued to offer safe and well-trusted car parking facilities very close to the airport.

Cardiff has seen significant developments take place since the 1990s. A milestone was the construction of the Millennium Stadium, which has hosted major football and ruby events, as well as pop concerts. The city was awarded the honour of European City of Sports in 2009 for its role in hosting important international sporting events.

As the city continues to prosper, Cardiff Airport will undoubtedly see its passenger levels rise, taking it even further away from its distant past as grassy military base.