Cardiff to Toronto: New Direct Flights Mark a Turning Point for Wales’ Struggling Airport

Published on November 19, 2025

Cardiff, Wales, a city known for its rich culture, sporting history, and scenic beauty, has long been a popular destination for tourists. However, its airport, Cardiff International, has struggled with fluctuating passenger numbers and limited long-haul flights. In a bid to turn around its fortunes, the airport has recently announced an exciting new route to Toronto, Canada, with WestJet operating four flights a week. This new transatlantic link is seen by many as a pivotal moment in Cardiff’s aviation recovery, with the potential to reshape its international standing.

The announcement was met with significant backing from Eluned Morgan, the First Minister of Wales, who highlighted the benefits of the new route for local businesses, the tourism industry, and travelers from across the region. The new flights are set to run between May and September 2025, covering a distance of 3,444 miles with a flight time of just under eight hours. Despite the relatively small capacity of the Boeing 737 Max aircraft used for these flights, which seats only 174 passengers, the move has the potential to bring long-term growth to Wales’ underused international gateway.

Cardiff’s Struggle and the Hope for Revival

Cardiff Airport has faced significant challenges over the years, from a declining number of passengers to fierce competition from larger airports like London Heathrow and regional hubs such as Bristol and Birmingham. At its peak, the airport saw high traffic, but the number of passengers has decreased significantly since the early 2000s, forcing Cardiff to rely on subsidies from the Welsh government to stay afloat.

This new direct link to Toronto is seen as a critical opportunity for the airport to regain its footing. With less than 700 seats available per week on the new Toronto flights, Cardiff Airport is hoping to tap into the growing demand for travel to Canada from the south of Wales and surrounding regions, including the Southwest and West Country. For many travelers in these areas, Cardiff offers a convenient and accessible alternative to longer journeys to London or other major UK airports.

Why the Toronto Link Matters for Welsh Business and Tourism

The introduction of this new Toronto route has far-reaching implications for business travel and tourism. With fewer direct flights to Canada from other UK airports, particularly from cities like Bristol and Birmingham, Cardiff has the potential to establish itself as a key gateway to North America for both leisure and business travelers.

Tourists from Wales and beyond are expected to benefit from increased access to Canada’s largest city, Toronto, a major cultural, business, and tourism hub. With strong connections to other Canadian cities, including Vancouver, Montreal, and Calgary, the new route provides a convenient connection for tourists wishing to explore more of Canada.

In addition to tourism, the business opportunities arising from the route cannot be underestimated. Wales has a growing tech industry, and businesses in sectors such as engineering, finance, and education are increasingly looking to expand their networks across the Atlantic. With Toronto being one of the world’s most important financial centers, Welsh businesses can benefit from better connectivity to Canada’s thriving economy.

The Challenges Ahead for Cardiff Airport

Despite the optimism surrounding the Toronto link, Cardiff Airport must overcome several hurdles to ensure the long-term success of the route. John Leaman, the finance director at Cardiff airport, emphasized that the airport’s strategy includes not just long-haul flights to destinations like Toronto, but also strengthening short-haul links to major European hubs such as Frankfurt, Paris, and Dubai.

The airport’s success hinges on attracting a steady flow of passengers, particularly business travelers and tourists who can help offset the operating costs associated with running an international airport. With a population of around 1.2 million in the Cardiff metropolitan area, the airport must also broaden its catchment area, extending its appeal to the Southwest of England and the West Midlands, regions that are not well-served by direct flights to Canada.

Trends in UK-Canada Air Travel: Can Cardiff Keep Up?

The air travel link between the UK and Canada has seen a shift in recent years, with fewer flights due to demographic changes and reduced demand. However, 2025 is witnessing a resurgence, with Air Transat launching a new route from Gatwick to Ottawa and WestJet bolstering its offerings with additional flights to Toronto from Cardiff and Glasgow. As Sean Moulton, an aviation analyst, notes, the return of these routes reflects the growing demand for travel between the UK and Canada.

Cardiff’s role in this changing landscape will depend on its ability to sustain the Toronto link and expand its range of international flights. While the new route to Canada may attract “visiting friends and relatives” traffic, the question remains: will this route be a lasting success, or is it just a temporary solution to a deeper challenge?

Quick Tips for Travelers Flying from Cardiff to Toronto

1. Book Early for the Best Prices: Flights from Cardiff to Toronto on the WestJet route are in high demand, so it’s best to book tickets early for the best prices.
2. Check Your Travel Documents: Ensure your passport is up-to-date and consider applying for any necessary visas or travel authorizations well in advance.
3. Arrive Early at the Airport: Cardiff is smaller and more manageable than larger airports, but it’s still essential to arrive at least 2-3 hours before your flight to ensure a smooth check-in process.
4. Explore Toronto’s Neighborhoods: While in Canada’s largest city, make sure to explore its cultural neighborhoods, from the trendy Distillery District to the historic Kensington Market.
5. Check for Connecting Flights: Toronto is a hub for flights to other Canadian cities, so take advantage of this by planning trips to places like Montreal or Vancouver.

Conclusion: A Crucial Step for Cardiff Airport’s Recovery

The new direct flight from Cardiff to Toronto marks a significant turning point for the Welsh airport. As it seeks to reverse years of declining passenger numbers, the route offers a glimmer of hope for both leisure and business travelers looking for new connections. Whether this is the beginning of a more prosperous future for Cardiff Airport or a fleeting opportunity remains to be seen. However, for now, the Toronto route represents a major step forward in the recovery of Welsh aviation, boosting business prospects and giving tourists easier access to one of Canada’s most exciting cities.

Key Points:

• Cardiff to Toronto: New four-times-weekly flight with WestJet offers improved connections between Wales and Canada.
• Business and Tourism Impact: The route opens up new opportunities for business travelers and tourists heading to Toronto and beyond.
• Challenges: Cardiff Airport must continue to attract passengers and expand its international offerings to remain competitive.
• Tips: Book early, ensure your travel documents are updated, and explore Toronto’s cultural neighborhoods for a memorable experience.

Cardiff’s aviation recovery hinges on its ability to sustain this new route and further expand international connections to better serve both leisure and business travelers.

Disclaimer: The Attached Image in This Article is AI Generated