Cardiff Airport Information

The origins of Cardiff airport can be traced back 60 years to the early 1940's when the Air Ministry requisitioned land in the rural Vale of Glamorgan to set up a wartime satellite aerodrome and training base for RAF Spitfire pilots. Construction commenced in 1941, and the airfield officially began life on 7 April 1942 when it was taken over by No. 53 Operational Training Unit. Aer Lingus realised the commercial potential of the airport in the 1950's and started a service to Dublin in 1952. A new terminal building followed along with flights to France, Belfast and Cork.

In 1965 control of the airport was passed from the Ministry of Defence to Glamorgan County Council. With the first transatlantic flight in 1971, further investment led to the development of the current terminal building and control tower. Also the main runway was doubled in length to 7,000ft to accommodate larger aircraft.

Ownership of the airport was transfered to the three County Councils of South, Mid and West Glamorgan after reorganisation of the former Glamorgan County Council in 1970.

1986 saw a further extension of 750ft to the airport, costing in the region of £1 million, thus attracting more business to the airport in the form of a new generation of jet aircraft. Development of transatlantic links were made with chartered flights to Florida, in addition to previously established links to Canada. Due to the new runway being large enough to handle 747 jets, British Airways set up their maintenance hanger at Cardiff. The hanger is the one of the largest in the world.

The airports Goldern Julbilee Anniversary was celebrated in 1992 and a programme of special events culminated in a Royal visit, with Her Royal Highness Princess Alexandra unveiling a commemorative plaque.

In 1993 there was a series of major expansion projects. These included re-development of the landside forecourt area, expansion and modernisation of the International Departures Lounge, plus modification of the roadway access to the Terminal, and construction of a new security access point.

In August 1994, well ahead of traffic forecasts, the Airport celebrated attaining the 1 million passenger mark for the first time in its history.

In April 1995, due to local government re-organisation in Wales, the airport company was privatised. Since then, Cardiff International Airport's success has continued, ranking as on of the UK's most successful regional airports.