Cardiff Airport’s rapid passenger growth is being matched by improvements in customer experience, with the airport securing a place among the UK’s highest-rated airports in the latest Which? survey.
The airport achieved a customer score of 77% and was named a Which? Recommended Provider, placing fifth out of 27 UK airports assessed.
The result comes as Cardiff Airport continues to record strong passenger growth. More than one million passengers have travelled through the airport during the past 12 months, while figures show passenger numbers increased by 24% in the first quarter of 2026 and 16% in the second quarter compared with the same periods last year.
The Civil Aviation Authority has also recognised Cardiff as the UK’s second fastest-growing airport.
The Which? findings suggest that the increase in passenger numbers has not come at the expense of the airport experience.
More than 6,000 passengers were surveyed about 8,383 visits to airports across the UK. Cardiff received five-star ratings for security queues, passport control queues and cleanliness, alongside four stars for areas including seating.
Which? also highlighted the airport’s ease of navigation, helpful staff, clean facilities and efficient check-in and security processes.
The recognition arrives during a period in which Cardiff is seeking to strengthen its role as Wales’ international gateway.
Canadian airline WestJet launched a direct Cardiff-Toronto service earlier this year, opening up direct access to Canada as well as onward connections across North America. The four-times-weekly service is already on sale for summer 2027.
Cardiff Airport has also been shortlisted for a 2026 Routes World Award in the Under 5 Million Passengers category, recognising its work in developing routes and improving international connectivity.
Jon Bridge, Chief Executive Officer of Cardiff Airport, said:
“This recognition from Which? is fantastic news for the Airport and is a real testament to the teams who work hard every day to deliver a positive experience for our customers.
“To be named a Which? Recommended Provider and ranked fifth among 27 UK airports is a significant achievement, particularly when considered alongside the growth we have seen across the Airport over the past year.
“Our recent milestones demonstrate the momentum behind the Airport and our ambition to continue strengthening connectivity for Wales.
“Most importantly, the Which? results show that our growth is being matched by a strong passenger experience.”
The combination of rising passenger numbers, new international routes and strong customer satisfaction will be important as Cardiff Airport looks to build on its recent momentum.
