Vueling Airlines has confirmed it will stop flying from Cardiff Airport to Alicante and Malaga during the 2026 winter season, ending a presence of almost 13 years at Wales' only international airport.
The low-cost Spanish carrier said the decision was made after considering "the connectivity needs of each route". The move follows an increase in the number of flights Vueling operated from Cardiff to Spain last summer.
Winter schedule scrapped
Flights from Cardiff Airport to both Alicante and Malaga will cease from October. Vueling said it is too early to confirm plans for summer 2027.
The airline had originally planned to run a three-flights-a-week service to Alicante alongside flights to Malaga over the Christmas and New Year period.
Airport response
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 said it was disappointed with the decision, reports Wales Online. Alicante remains a popular destination from Cardiff, with TUI and Ryanair both continuing to offer direct flights there this winter, the airport said.
Passenger advice
Passengers who have already booked with Vueling have been advised to contact the airline directly.
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."
