For the first time in almost two decades, travellers from Wales will be able to board a flight to Canada. The airport and Welsh Government say its a sign of growth for Rhoose, but with millions already pumped into the public owned site, these victories might count for little.
00:00Cardiff Airport has announced a major milestone for Welsh international travel, a brand new direct service to Toronto operated by Canadian airline WestJet.
00:09The route will launch next year in May and will be the first direct air link between Wales and Canada in almost two decades.
00:16WestJet has chosen Cardiff as its only airport in both England or Wales for next year as part of its wider UK growth plans.
00:23Airport leaders say the decision reflects increasing demand for international travel from the region
00:28and confidence in the airport's recovery following the pandemic.
00:31Cardiff Airport CEO John Bridge said the new route is a major step towards reconnecting Wales with North America,
00:38strengthening tourism, trade and investment opportunities.
00:41He says it's also a strong sign of Cardiff Airport's continued growth, with passenger numbers now edging back towards one million a year.
00:49WestJet says it sees huge potential in giving Canadian visitors easier access to Wales' landscape and culture,
00:54while also improving long-haul options for UK passengers who currently need to travel to larger airports for transatlantic flights.
01:02First Minister Ali Ned Morgan said the route will open up new economic opportunities between Wales and North America,
01:08noting that around 35 Canadian companies already operate in Wales,
01:12employing around 6,500 people,
01:14and that Canada remains an important export market with more than £300 million a year.
01:19The timing also comes ahead of Canada co-hosting the FIFA World Cup in 2026,
01:24something hopefully expected to further increase travel demand and global interest,
01:28especially if Wales manage to qualify.
01:31Cardiff Airport is yet to fully recover post-Covid and has been costing the Welsh Government millions,
01:35so decision makers will hope that the expanded destinations will help put roofs back on the map as the national airport for Wales.
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