Major airline announces two new routes from Cardiff airport

With wet winter weather in full force thoughts are turning to summer holidays. Cardiff Airport has announced new routes to take people to the sunshine.

Its 2026 network is being expanded with new direct flights to Portugal and Egypt.

TUI has announced its flying programme from Cardiff for summer 2026 with a fourth aircraft based at the Airport and the launch of the two new direct routes to Faro and Hurghada.

TUI said its fourth aircraft and new routes mean thousands of new seats for people travelling from Cardiff Airport.

The company said it was responding to increasing customer demand for more convenient, affordable sunshine escapes direct from Cardiff.

Flights to Hurghada on Egypt's Red Sea coast, will run twice weekly on Tuesdays and Saturdays. Hurghada is known for year‑round good weather, coral reefs, and some of the world’s best snorkelling and diving.

It's a good value destination with good shopping, a pint costing as little as £1.50 and eating out 70% cheaper than in the UK.

Starting on May 21 the new Faro flights will also run twice weekly on Thursdays and Sundays giving Cardiff a route to the Algarve two and a half hours away.

Chros Logan, commercial director at TUI UK said: “Adding Faro and Hurghada expands an already impressive line‑up of sunshine getaways for Welsh holidaymakers.

"From the Algarve’s beaches and world‑class golf to Egypt’s incredible snorkelling and unbeatable value, these routes strengthen a diverse network of holidays all available direct from Cardiff. We’re focused on giving customers in Wales more choice, more flexibility, and the ease of flying from their local airport."

Jon Bridge, CEO of Cardiff Airport, said the expansion was good news for travellers and the airport and showed TUI's commitment to the airport.

With this fourth TUI aircraft based at Cardiff Airport, there are now more than 250,000 seats on sale for the summer 2026 season from Cardiff, more than 45,000 more seats than summer 2025.

TUI is currently offering seven night all-inclusive holidays to The Algarve from £915 per person staying at the 4* Hotel Alvor Baia Baia in Alvor based on two people sharing a suite with garden or pool view, travelling from Cardiff Airport to Faro on TUI Airways on 28 May, 2026. Overseas transfers, 20kg cabin, and 10kg hold luggage are included per person.

TUI offers seven night all-inclusive holidays to Hurghada from £976 per person staying at the 5* TUI Magic Life Kalaway based on two people sharing a double room with garden or pool view, travelling from Cardiff Airport Hurghada on UI Airways on 9 June 2026. Overseas transfers and 20kg cabin and 10kg hold luggage included per person.