It is a finalist in the Under 5 Million Passengers category at the 2026 Routes World Awards, which celebrate excellence in global air connectivity.
Other shortlisted airports include Bratislava Airport, Cork Airport, Halifax Stanfield International Airport, and Shannon Airport.
Jon Bridge, chief executive officer at Cardiff Airport, said: “We are thrilled to see Cardiff Airport shortlisted for a Routes World Award.
“This is great recognition for everyone who has played a part in the progress we are making.
“I want to thank our airport team and airline partners for their hard work, commitment and ambition.
“This shortlist is a reflection of the strong relationships we have built and the shared ambition we have for Cardiff Airport and connectivity for Wales.
“Our last Routes Award win was back in 1998, so to be shortlisted again is particularly special.
“We are incredibly proud of this achievement, while continuing to look ahead and build on the momentum we have created.”
The shortlisting comes as the airport marks more than one million passengers in the past 12 months, the first time the airport has reached this milestone since the covid-19 pandemic.
Recent network growth includes WestJet’s new direct service between Cardiff and Toronto, reconnecting Wales with Canada for the first time in almost 20 years.
TUI has based a fourth aircraft at the airport this summer, while Ryanair is recording its busiest ever summer at Cardiff.
New destinations now available from Cardiff include Hurghada, Faro, Fuerteventura, Salzburg, Turin, and Kittilä.
Cardiff Airport’s route development team is actively engaging with airlines and aviation partners at events like Routes Europe and Routes World to further improve connectivity and identify new growth opportunities.
The winners of the Routes World Awards will be announced at a ceremony in Frankfurt on October 22, 2026.
