TUI Expands Cardiff Airport With Major Summer 2026 Investment

TUI has unveiled a significant expansion of its Cardiff Airport operation for Summer 2026, strengthening its long-term commitment to Wales with more flights, new destinations and thousands of additional holiday options for passengers.

The expansion will see the airline base a fourth aircraft at Cardiff Airport, allowing it to substantially increase capacity ahead of next summer's holiday season. According to TUI, around 48,000 additional holidays will be available from Cardiff, making it one of the airline's largest investments at the airport in recent years.

As part of the expansion, TUI will introduce two new destinations from Cardiff. Direct flights to Hurghada on Egypt's Red Sea coast will begin in early May 2026, followed later in the month by a new service to Faro, opening up Portugal's Algarve region to travellers from Wales. At the same time, the airline will continue operating its new Fuerteventura service throughout the summer after launching the route during the previous winter season.

The investment extends beyond new routes. TUI is also increasing frequencies on several of its busiest leisure markets, including Antalya, Gran Canaria, Palma de Mallorca, Enfidha and Tenerife, reflecting continued demand for sunshine destinations from Welsh passengers. Rather than relying on airports outside Wales, travellers will have a broader choice of destinations and departure dates directly from Cardiff.

The announcement represents another vote of confidence in Cardiff Airport, which has seen airlines continue to expand their operations as passenger demand recovers. For TUI, the additional aircraft and larger flying programme reinforce Cardiff's growing importance within its UK network and provide greater flexibility for customers planning holidays during the peak summer season.

Lee Smith, Head of Business Development at Cardiff Airport, described the expansion as a major investment for both the airport and Wales, saying the latest announcement demonstrates TUI's confidence in the Welsh market and will provide passengers with more choice than ever before.

Bookings for the expanded Summer 2026 programme are now available through TUI.