Vueling to Withdraw from Wales After Axing Cardiff Routes

Spanish budget airline Vueling is set to terminate its operations in Wales following the discontinuation of its two remaining routes from Cardiff Airport. The airline will cease flights between Cardiff and Málaga on October 22, with the Cardiff–Alicante service closing on October 24. Neither of these seasonal routes will resume for the 2027 summer schedule.

Cardiff is the sole Welsh airport served by Vueling, making this decision the end of the airline's 14-year presence in Wales. Vueling stated that it regularly reviews its network and timetable to optimize connections while adjusting capacity to demand on individual routes. While the financial performance of the affected routes was not disclosed, they collectively carried thousands of passengers to Spain annually.

The airline hinted at the possibility of future opportunities but did not elaborate further. Cardiff Airport expressed disappointment in the decision, emphasizing that Alicante remains a favored destination for Welsh travelers. Affected passengers have been directed to contact Vueling to review their bookings and explore alternative travel options.

Vueling, part of the International Airlines Group alongside British Airways and Iberia, initiated services in Wales in 2012, expanding direct connections to popular Spanish holiday destinations. Despite Vueling's departure, travelers can still fly from Cardiff to southern Spain with other carriers, such as Ryanair and TUI, during 2027.