Vueling Pulls All Cardiff Flights This Winter

Vueling will leave Cardiff Airport without any of its flights this winter after withdrawing the Alicante service it had put on sale only four months ago. The airline, which has flown from Cardiff since 2012, has not said whether it will return in summer 2027. The change removes Vueling completely from Cardiff’s winter schedule and leaves customers with existing bookings needing to make new travel arrangements.

What Vueling Is Changing at Cardiff

• Cardiff–Malaga: Current seasonal service ends on 18 October as previously planned.
• Cardiff–Alicante: Current service continues until 24 October.
• Withdrawn winter flights: Three weekly Alicante services planned for Christmas and New Year will no longer operate.
• Winter 2026–27: Vueling will have no scheduled flights from Cardiff.
• Summer 2027: Neither Vueling nor Cardiff Airport has confirmed whether the airline will return.
• Affected bookings: Customers should contact Vueling directly about the options available.
• Alicante alternatives: TUI and Ryanair will continue direct Cardiff flights during winter.

Vueling said it regularly reviews its network and flight schedule and adjusts services according to the connectivity needs of individual routes. Cardiff Airport said it was disappointed by the decision and urged customers with affected bookings to contact the airline. The airport added that Alicante remains one of its popular destinations. Vueling has not given a specific reason for withdrawing the winter service beyond its wider network and scheduling review.

The cancellation reduces choice rather than removing Cardiff’s direct link with Alicante. Cardiff Airport says TUI and Ryanair will continue to serve the route this winter, keeping the Costa Blanca reachable without a connection. Alicante itself offers the old town, Santa Bárbara Castle and Postiguet Beach, while Benidorm and other coastal resorts remain accessible by road, coach or public transport after landing.

Anyone booked on the withdrawn Vueling flights should check the airline’s rebooking message before paying for a replacement journey. UK rules require airlines to offer a refund or re-routing when a covered flight is cancelled, although fixed compensation normally depends on how much notice was given. With other direct services still available, comparing dates and timings first could avoid an unnecessary connection or a more expensive last-minute booking.