Vueling has announced it will stop flying from Cardiff Airport this winter, cancelling all flights to Alicante and Malaga from October. The Spanish airline had increased the number of flights from Cardiff to Spain last summer but has now withdrawn its services from the Welsh airport for the winter season.
Vueling had planned to operate a three-flights-a-week service to Alicante alongside flights to Malaga over the Christmas and New Year period. Those services will no longer run.
Airline statement on route withdrawal
A spokesperson for Vueling said: "At Vueling, we are constantly analysing our network and flight schedule to offer our passengers the best connectivity options and adapt our offer to the connectivity needs of each route."
"In this regard, our route between Alicante and Cardiff will not operate during the 2026 winter season. In any case, we continuously evaluate any opportunities that may arise in the future."
Cardiff Airport response
Cardiff Airport said it is disappointed with the airline's decision to withdraw from Wales' only international airport after almost 13 years. A spokesperson for Cardiff Airport said: "We are disappointed that Vueling has taken the decision to withdraw its Cardiff to Alicante service for the winter season."
"Alicante remains a popular destination from Cardiff, with TUI and Ryanair continuing to offer direct flights this winter. We remain focused on working with our airline partners to grow our route network and give customers across Wales greater choice from Cardiff."
"We would encourage any customers affected by Vueling's decision to contact the airline directly regarding their booking and to explore the alternative travel options available from Cardiff."
