The airline believes the current Covid-19 regulations are too uncertain and instead plans to begin operations from the hub next summer
Low-cost airline, Wizz Air UK, has announced that is has postponed the opening of its new base at Cardiff Airport until 2022, due to the ongoing issues presented by the Covid-19 pandemic.
This is the second time the carrier has rescheduled the introduction of its operations to the Welsh base, as it was originally planned to land at the site on June 17.
A spokesperson from Wizz Air said: “As a result of the ongoing Covid-19 related travel restrictions, and ever-changing quarantine measures in place across the UK and Europe, it is with regret that we have had to take the difficult but responsible decision to further postpone the opening of our new Cardiff base until summer 2022 to give our customers, employees and business partners certainty during this difficult time. This has not been an easy decision and we understand the disappointment our customers in South Wales will be feeling.
“Despite the ever changing and inconsistent government travel regulations, with three new bases and over 60 new routes in the UK announced in the past year alone, together with the arrival of four brand new A321neo aircraft, Wizz Air remains committed to long-term growth in the UK, creating hundreds of direct new jobs while also stimulating the tourism and hospitality industries.”
Spencer Birns, CEO of Cardiff Airport, added: “Whilst this is disappointing news, we respect Wizz Air's decision to further postpone the launch of their Cardiff base until Summer 2022. This comes as a result of the continued impact of the Covid-19 pandemic and ongoing travel restrictions. Flights are currently on sale from March 2022 and we continue to work closely with the airline in preparation for the base opening next year. "
Upon its opening next summer, Cardiff will become Wizz Air’s fourth base in the UK alongside Luton, Gatwick and Doncaster/Sheffield.
