I flew to Majorca from Cardiff a few weeks ago. My first opinion was; "Well its hardly Heathrow". Its not a particulary large airport and it does not cater for very large plane such as B-747 and the like. The check in went alright relativly quickly although this was in the late evening. Once checked in I spent 2 hours in the departure area. Whilst larger airposrts have large shop and many cafes in these areas all Cardiff has is a smoke filled pub, one newsagent style shop another shop selling useless stuff and a poor arcade. Getting to the airport was also a night mare whilst many airports are near large motorways like heathrows M25, M4 and all the other motor ways that terminate at that junction,but the road links to Cardiff are small town roads that are almost always blocked by something or other. Even though my flight did leave on time, from what I heard this is very rare. Before I fly from Cardiff again I want to see a mojor redevelopment of the airport itself and the transport links to it. A train link from Cardiff city center would also be welcomed.
I too find the "it's hardly Heathrow" comment quite bizarre. CWL is a regional airport designed to cater for the needs of travellers within a reasonable proximity who don't want to travel to London/Manchester etc. It compares well with the likes of Bristol, Liverpool, Exeter etc and in my opinion is developing well.
Incidentally, as a matter of fact, CWL can and does cater for "Jumbos" including 747's and the BA 747 maintenence facility is situated at the western perimeter of the airport.
Good flying in the future
bridgendboy 11.07.2001 10:52
"It's hardly Heathrow"?????
What a dull thing to say. That's because it isn't Heathrow and doesn't pretend to be. I agree the transport links could be better, but that's not the airports fault. it's the pathetic local authority who won't put the infrastructure in place.
The Airport is ideal for those living in the area. Why should we be forced to travel hundreds of miles every time we want to go on holiday.
And by the way, if you have no experience of something how can you comment on it. Your flight left on time. You only have hearsay on other flights. Your record is 100% percent.
I've used the airport many times as well as many others around the country and the world and believe me, it's no worse than most other regional airports out there.
sue.51 23.03.2001 01:37
Sadly, a very accurate, honest opinion on Cardiff airport. I remember, the first time I flew from there, I asked where the rest of the airport was. Being tucked away here in South Wales, Cardiff is very convenient to fly from and to, but if it wasn't for the convenience factor, I would far rather fly from Gatwick or Heathrow. The airport is marketed as a main business and gateway link to South Wales, but until a new road link is implemented, which meets up, at the minimum Cardiff and the M4 corridor (I don't think this will happen in the near future), it is unlikely that business is not going to increase substantially.
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Jul 11th, 2000
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