TUI BOLSTERS CAPACITY AT CARDIFF AIRPORT WITH NEW ROUTE AND MORE FLIGHTS

TUI has announced a major expansion at Cardiff Wales Airport with new destinations, exclusive routes, and boosted frequency to some of the most sought-after holiday spots for Welsh travellers. These additional routes aligns with Marella Cruises’ much-anticipated winter program in Gran Canaria. This additional capacity means holidaymakers have even more options for a winter getaway or summer sun from their local airport.

Winter 2025 

A second aircraft will be based at Cardiff Airport, increasing choice for customers.

New exclusive route to Fuerteventura

• TUI will introduce a brand-new, exclusive route from Cardiff to Fuerteventura, taking Welsh travellers directly to the golden sands and year-round sunshine of this popular Canary Island. The service takes off Saturday, December 20, 2025, just in time for a Christmas escape.

 

More flights and cruise options to Gran Canaria

• Following strong demand, TUI is doubling its flights to Gran Canaria, moving from once to twice weekly. This increased service starts Thursday, December 18, 2025, giving travellers more flexibility to plan their holiday in this Canary Island paradise.

• Furthermore, Marella Cruises will include Canary Island itineraries from Cardiff Airport aboard Marella Voyager. Including itineraries such as: ‘Island Explorer’ departing from Las Palmas, Gran Canaria, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Arrecife, Lanzarote, Funchal, Madeira, Santa Cruz de La Palm and finishing up in Las Palmas, Gran Canaria throughout the season.

Extra flights to Tenerife

• Tenerife lovers will enjoy even greater access to their favourite island, with flights increasing from three to four times a week starting Sunday, December 21, 2025. Whether it’s for the warm weather, beautiful beaches, or vibrant nightlife, getting to Tenerife from Cardiff has never been easier!

Summer 2026 

As the winter turns to summer, TUI will keep these added services running, ensuring travellers from Cardiff have top-notch access to their favourite destinations year-round.

Year-round access to Fuerteventura

• The brand-new Fuerteventura route will continue into summer 2026, offering a seasonal escape to one of the Canary Islands’ most stunning spots, right from Cardiff.

Gran Canaria frequency maintained

• TUI’s twice-weekly flights to Gran Canaria will continue through summer, offering convenience and flexibility for those wanting to enjoy the endless charms of this island.

TUI UK&I Commercial Director Phillip Iveson said: “We’re absolutely thrilled to expand our choice for holidaymakers travelling from Cardiff Airport, with exclusive new routes and additional flights that make it even easier for travellers to reach fantastic destinations from their doorstep. We know that Welsh holidaymakers love the Canary Islands, and this increase in capacity means they can now fly more frequently and at more convenient times”.

Spencer Birns, CEO of Cardiff Wales Airport said: “This fantastic news from TUI, one of our biggest Airport customers, reinforces the tour operator’s commitment to Wales. There’ll be an additional 20,000 holidays on sale, as a result. Our customers have been asking for more choice from our National Airport. It’s great that TUI is growing in Wales. TUI employs more than 550 people across Wales. This year, TUI has announced new destinations from Cardiff: Fuerteventura, Cancun and Chambéry, plus more flights to Barbados. This announcement means TUI now has 26 destinations on sale from Cardiff.”

TUI UK & IRELAND 

TUI, the largest global travel and leisure company is the business behind First Choice, Marella Cruises and Crystal Ski Holidays brands, as well as TUI Cities, TUI Lakes & Mountains, TUI Tours, TUI River Cruises, and its leisure hotel brand TUI BLUE. TUI also provides thousands of experiences in 100 countries through TUI Musement, one of the world’s leading tours and activities digital platforms. 

TUI UK & Ireland has a team of over 11,000 employees and its full holiday programme serves millions of customers each year. Across the world they have over 4,500 destination team employees taking care of guests on their holidays. 

Its airline, TUI Airways, operates to over 80 destinations in 32 countries with 70 aircraft from 23 UK and Ireland airports with 69 aircraft.  

TUI’s retail estate is made up of more than 330 retail stores including TUI superstores where TUI’s travel experts take care of all customers’ needs. 

MARELLA CRUISES          

Marella Cruises is part of TUI UK and Ireland and TUI Group. It is the third largest cruise line in the UK. As of 1 June 2023, there are five ships in the Marella Cruises fleet, Marella Discovery, Marella Discovery 2, Marella Explorer, Marella Explorer 2 and the newest ship to the fleet, Marella Voyager.  Marella Cruises offers its customers all-inclusive as standard with all tips and service charges included, customers enjoy an unrivalled level of service and award-winning entertainment. Marella Cruises has also received accolades in Which? as recommended provider for Ocean Cruises since Feb 2023 and Good Housekeeping Reader Recommended for onboard service since 2019.