TUI has announced a major expansion at Cardiff Wales Airport, introducing new routes and increased flight frequencies to popular holiday destinations starting in 2026. The airline plans to base a fourth aircraft at Cardiff Airport, enhancing travel options for Welsh holidaymakers.
Beginning on May 2, 2026, TUI will launch a new route from Cardiff to Hurghada, Egypt, allowing travelers to enjoy the sun-soaked beaches of the Red Sea. Following that, on May 21, 2026, flights to Faro, Portugal, will commence, giving vacationers another exciting option for summer getaways. Additionally, the Fuerteventura route will continue for the winter season, launching on December 20, 2025.
In response to the growing demand for summer hot-spot destinations, TUI is also ramping up its flight frequencies. The Antalya route will increase from three to four flights per week, while Gran Canaria will see its frequency double from once to twice weekly. The Cardiff to Palma de Mallorca route will rise from five flights per week to six, and Enfidha will receive an extra weekly flight, increasing its total to three. Customers will also benefit from an additional flight to Tenerife each week, bringing its total to four weekly flights.
Chris Logan, TUI UK&I Commercial Director, expressed enthusiasm about the expansion, stating, "We’re really excited to be expanding our routes and flying frequency from Cardiff Airport to give our customers even more choice and flexibility. With exclusive new routes and additional flights to some of the most popular holiday destinations, we’re making it even easier for travelers to visit new places from their local airport. We’ve seen the demand for destinations such as Turkey, Tenerife, and Mallorca grow year on year, so this increase in capacity allows customers to explore more options when booking their holiday."
Lee Smith, Head of Business Development at Cardiff Airport, praised the announcement as a significant investment in both the airport and Wales, noting that TUI’s expansion means an additional 48,000 holidays available from Cardiff next summer. He remarked, "This is fantastic news and a major investment in Cardiff Airport and Wales from TUI. The recent announcement of a second based aircraft this winter, followed by news of a fourth based aircraft in summer 2026, shows the confidence TUI has in the market. We look forward to working with the TUI team to continue growing in Wales."
In addition to the new routes, TUI is also enhancing its service to Fuerteventura, a hidden gem among the Canary Islands. Known for its stunning beaches and turquoise waters, Fuerteventura is less crowded than its neighbors, with 2.5 million visitors in 2024 compared to Tenerife's 6.2 million. The island offers an array of activities, including sunbathing, water sports, and exploring quaint towns like Betancuria, which was established in 1404.
For those looking for a winter escape, Fuerteventura's pleasant temperatures of around 20C during the cooler months make it an ideal destination. The inaugural flight from Cardiff to Fuerteventura will take about four hours, with prices starting at £576 per person for the return trip. By May 2026, these flights will be available for £376 per person, making it a more affordable option for travelers.
In a separate but related announcement, TUI has partnered with sustainable eyewear brand Waterhaul to offer its Pentire sunglasses onboard TUI flights across the UK and Europe starting in May 2025. The sunglasses are made from 100% recycled fishing gear, which is a significant contributor to ocean pollution.
Mel Williams, TUI Retail Product Manager, commented on the partnership, saying, "This summer we are introducing an attractive and high-quality product from Waterhaul, which go live on four TUI Airlines from May 2025; we’re delighted that Pentire will be offered on routes to more than 180 destinations. Waterhaul’s offering and mission to transform ocean plastic into eyewear is inspirational and provides us with a fantastic opportunity to educate our customers and hopefully encourage marine conservation on holiday as well."
Each pair of Pentire sunglasses comes with a lifetime warranty, designed for adventure with high-quality lenses. Jonathan Corbett, Waterhaul Travel Retail Coordinator, expressed excitement about the collaboration, stating, "We are really excited about this new partnership with TUI which signifies Waterhaul’s expanding presence in the Travel Retail sector with like-minded companies. As we continue to grow we invite other airline, ferry, cruise, and travel retail partners to join our mission: to turn waste into wearable change and bring purpose-driven products to the skies and seas."
As TUI continues to expand its offerings, travelers from Cardiff can look forward to a wider range of holiday options and the chance to contribute to sustainability efforts while enjoying their vacations. With new routes and partnerships, the future looks bright for holidaymakers in Wales.
