Vueling has withdrawn all winter flight services from Cardiff Airport (CWL) in a major blow for Wales’ only international airport. The budget airline has been offering flights between Cardiff and popular Spanish destinations such as Alicante and Malaga for 13 years prior to the announcement. No decision has been made as to whether the airline will return its services to Cardiff Airport for the 2027 summer season.
Budget Airline Axes Winter Services
Vueling has confirmed it has withdrawn all scheduled flights to both Alicante and Malaga from Cardiff Airport over the winter period.
The Spanish operator, owned by multinational International Airlines Group (IAG), has been flying out of Cardiff Airport since 2012, even expanding the number of flights it was offering last summer. The airline had also planned to run a special period of service across the Christmas and New Year’s period from Cardiff, offering three flights a week to Alicante and two to Malaga.
The specifics of Vueling’s withdrawal from Cardiff detail that the current seasonal service to Malaga will finish on Oct. 18, as previously planned. Flights to Alicante from Cardiff will now conclude on Oct. 24. In addition to the planned additional Christmas service, other winter flights for the 2026-27 period will no longer operate.
Neither Cardiff Airport nor Vueling has confirmed whether the airline will return to the airport next summer, or whether its exit from Wales’ only major airport is permanent.
No official confirmation has been given as to the reason for Vueling’s axing of its winter services. In a statement about the decision, a Vueling spokesperson said:
“At Vueling, we are constantly analysing our network and flight schedule to offer our passengers the best connectivity options and adapt our offer to the connectivity needs of each route. In this regard, our route between Alicante and Cardiff will not operate during the 2026 winter season. In any case, we continuously evaluate any opportunities that may arise in the future.”
Disappointment for Cardiff Airport
Vueling’s withdrawal from the Welsh airport comes as a disappointment to local travellers and Cardiff Airport itself. Wales Online reported that the airport was disappointed with the airline’s decision to withdraw services from Wales, especially in light of 13 years of partnership.
Alicante is a popular destination and frequently attracts a significant number of travellers. In response to the announcement, the Welsh airport has pointed to its alternative airlines offering similar services to the Spanish holiday spot.
A spokesperson for the airport stated:
“We remain focused on working with our airline partners to grow our route network and give customers across Wales greater choice from Cardiff. We would encourage any customers affected by Vueling’s decision to contact the airline directly regarding their booking and to explore the alternative travel options available from Cardiff.”
Affected passengers should have been notified about their options for rescheduling their flights. UK regulations require airlines to offer a refund or re-routing option when a covered flight is cancelled. The extent of compensation available generally depends on the length of notice given.
Cardiff Airport has advised passengers to contact Vueling directly with queries or concerns.
Have you ever flown with Vueling from Cardiff Airport? What do you think of this decision? Let us know in the comments.
