Cardiff airport has confirmed that Ryanair will launch flights to the Welsh capital from Dublin at the end of October.

The carrier will offer four flights per week (Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday) starting from October 31.

The Dublin-Cardiff route had previously been operated by Flybe prior to its collapse – in May this year Stobart Air announced plans to fly between the Irish and Welsh capitals from August 30 under its Aer Lingus Regional franchise, but the carrier ceased trading just a month later.

Announcing the route Cardiff airport said:

“This is welcome news for customers looking to reconnect with friends and relatives, business travellers, and those wanting to take a break and explore the city and Ireland’s natural beauty.

“The Cardiff-Dublin route is also key for travelling sports teams and fans attending rugby, football and other fixtures in both Wales and Ireland, notably this year’s Autumn Internationals and the Six Nations Championship in 2022, with games set to take place in both Dublin’s Aviva Stadium and Cardiff’s Principality Stadium.”

Spencer Birns, CEO at Cardiff Airport said that it had been “one of our priorities to re-instate this route, alongside other important services lost as a result of the pandemic, and we are delighted that Ryanair has stepped in to fill the demand with regular flights at great prices”.

Meanwhile Jason McGuinness, commercial director at Ryanair, commented:

“We are pleased to confirm that our Cardiff – Dublin service will operate as part of our Wales Winter 2021/22 schedule, commencing on October 31 and flying 4 times weekly.

“We have worked closely with Cardiff Airport to deliver this new route, made possible by the necessary incentives to secure connectivity as airlines and airports recover from the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic.

“Welsh consumers can now book a much-deserved city break to Ireland’s capital this Winter, flying on the lowest fares and with the option to avail of Ryanair’s zero change fee should plans change”.

Ryanair also operates summer seasonal routes from Cardiff to Barcelona, Malaga and Faro.

ryanair.com, cardiff-airport.com