Home » AIRLINE NEWS » Cardiff, Wales – Friendly Faces Put Cardiff Airport on The Map for Happy Journeys

Published on
September 10, 2025

(This Image is AI Generated and Does Not Represent The Original Airport)

Cardiff, Wales sits on many trip wishlists for its castles, coast, and rugby days. Now its airport has scored praise for people, not just planes. Airport Parking and Hotels reviewed more than 71,000 Google reviews that mentioned staff at over 120 busy airports and placed Cardiff Airport in the global top 20 for positive staff mentions, and sixth across the UK. APH reported that 65.2 percent of staff‑related reviews for Cardiff were positive, a clear sign that many passengers felt well looked after.

How the study ranked friendly service

APH searched traveler reviews for words like friendly, helpful, polite, and professional, then ranked airports by the share of positive staff mentions. Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport led the world at 73.6 percent. Cornwall Airport Newquay took the UK top spot and second overall at 73.3 percent, while Narita in Japan placed third at 73.1 percent.

The study also noted word patterns. Phoenix Sky Harbor in Arizona had the most uses of the word friendly in staff reviews at 409 mentions. Heathrow showed up most often as helpful with 342 mentions. Kempegowda International Airport in Bengaluru was most often called efficient, with 145 such mentions.

Where Cardiff fits in the UK picture

In the UK list, APH ranked Newquay first, followed by Southampton at 70.9 percent, London City at 66.6 percent, and Exeter at 66.1 percent. Humberside placed next at 65.4 percent, with Cardiff at 65.2 percent. That puts Cardiff among UK airports that many passengers find welcoming.

What this means for business and holiday travelers

Better human touch helps at every step. For business trips, helpful staff can trim stress on tight connections and early starts. For families and first‑time visitors, kind guidance keeps queues calmer and wayfinding simpler. Cardiff’s place near the top of UK friendliness comes as Wales continues to back the airport as a regional gateway. The Welsh Government reports long‑term public investment, including equity, loans, and grants since the 2013 purchase, to strengthen the airport’s role in the South Wales economy.

Travelers with reduced mobility also benefit from recent improvements. The UK Civil Aviation Authority’s 2025 Airport Accessibility Report upgraded Cardiff’s rating to very good after progress over the last year, part of a wider trend where most UK airports scored good or very good.

Useful airport basics for smoother trips

Cardiff has ePassport gates funded with Welsh Government support, which helps eligible travelers clear the border faster. UK guidance says eGates are available at selected UK ports for passengers with biometric passports, with age and nationality rules set by the Home Office.

Getting there is simple by public transport. The 905 shuttle links the terminal with Rhoose Cardiff International Airport railway station for trains to Cardiff Central and Bridgend. Timetables are published by the operator and the airport.

Quick tips for tourists and business travelers

  • Check if you qualify for eGates to speed up arrivals. Bring your biometric passport ready to scan.
  • If arriving by rail, plan the 905 shuttle from Rhoose station to the terminal. Build in a few minutes for the transfer.
  • Morning flights can be busy. Arrive early and prebook parking or transport where possible. Airport guidance suggests arriving about 2 hours before international flights.
  • If you need assistance, prebook special assistance through your airline. Cardiff’s very good CAA rating reflects recent improvements.

Step by step: plan a friendly Cardiff Airport journey

  1. Book smart – pick flights that suit your schedule, then prebook parking or rail tickets and the 905 bus connection if using the train.
  2. Arrive with time in hand – follow the airport’s general check‑in timing advice and allow extra time if traveling with kids or equipment.
  3. Use eGates if eligible – follow on‑screen prompts at passport control to clear the border faster.
  4. Know where to get help – if you have reduced mobility, contact your airline in advance and look for assistance points at the terminal. CAA reporting tracks service standards.
  5. Plan onward travel – check live train times from Rhoose station and local bus links before you land.

Key points

  • Cardiff ranks in the global top 20 and sixth in the UK for friendly staff mentions in APH’s review‑based study.
  • UK winners include Newquay, Southampton, and London City. Global leaders include Taiwan Taoyuan and Narita.
  • Phoenix saw the most friendly mentions by word count, while Heathrow led for helpful and Kempegowda for efficient.
  • Cardiff has ePassport gates and a simple rail‑bus link via Rhoose station.
  • CAA’s 2025 report shows Cardiff improved to very good for accessibility.
  • The Welsh Government confirms ongoing support for the airport’s role in South Wales.

A friendly farewell and a reason to visit

For many visitors, the first smile in Wales happens at the gate or the help desk. Cardiff Airport’s strong showing in staff‑focused reviews gives travelers one more reason to start or end a trip in the Welsh capital, where a helpful nudge in the terminal can set the tone for a good day in the city and along the coast. With better accessibility ratings, eGates, and easy links by bus and rail, the airport’s people and simple processes are working together to make arrivals and departures feel more relaxed.