Big Whitsun getaway expected
Published: 27 May 2010
More than 23,000 passengers are expected to travel through Cardiff Airport as holidaymakers head off for their Whitsun holidays between Friday, 28 May and Monday, 31 May.
Popular destinations for those heading off in search of the sun during the school half term include Turkey, Spain and the Canary, Balearic and Greek islands. Flights for weekend city breaks including Paris, Dublin, Amsterdam, Edinburgh and Jersey are also expected to attract many South Wales travellers.
Many passengers flying to Dublin and Amsterdam are also expected to connect onwards from both hubs to other destinations including the US via Dublin with Aer Lingus Regional, and over 900 worldwide destinations with KLM via Amsterdam.
Margaret James, Head of Customer Services at Cardiff Airport commented: "Travellers have been affected in recent weeks with disruption to air travel due to the volcanic ash cloud so staff are prepared for a very busy weekend at the airport and will aim to make the passenger journey as pleasant and stress free as possible.
"We advise all those using the airport to allow plenty of time for getting to the airport, check-in and security search, and visitors are also reminded that temporary drop-off and pick up arrangements are still in place at the airport."
Major construction work to redesign the layout outside the terminal building started in April and is still on-going to comply with security requirements and longer term development needs at the airport.
All vehicles visiting the airport will be directed to the existing Short Stay car park for free 20 minutes drop off and pick up. Those using the existing long-term car parks will not be affected.
When completed a new Priority drop & go and Priority pick up area will be introduced outside the terminal building, charged at £1 per visit.
However, a free drop off and pick up area will still be available in the renamed Long Stay 1, formerly the Long Stay 2 car park, with a short walk to the terminal building, and a 24/7 shuttle bus will be also available for passengers requiring assistance. The first 10 minutes will be free of charge with the usual parking rates applied thereafter. Blue badge holders are entitled to 20 minutes free of charge.