TL;DR
- TUI launches direct flights from Cardiff to Faro (Portugal) and Hurghada (Egypt) for summer 2026
- Fourth aircraft based at Cardiff lifts total seats to over 250,000, up 45,000 from summer 2025
- Frequency boosts on popular routes including Antalya, Gran Canaria, Palma and Enfidha
- 56 weekly flights across 25 destinations give Welsh clients easier access to sun
The Headlines
TUI has opened bookings for two fresh sunshine routes from Cardiff Airport next summer, and the timing feels right for agents keeping Welsh clients closer to home. From 21 May 2026, passengers can fly direct to Faro in Portugal’s Algarve on Thursdays and Sundays, while Hurghada on Egypt’s Red Sea launches earlier on 2 May with Tuesday and Saturday departures.
The airline is stationing a fourth aircraft at Cardiff to make this happen, lifting capacity to over 250,000 seats for summer 2026. That is 45,000 more than this year. Popular routes like Antalya, Palma de Mallorca and Gran Canaria are getting frequency boosts too, which means more options across the board.
A Closer Look
A few details worth knowing. Antalya climbs from three to four weekly flights, Gran Canaria doubles from one to two, Palma de Mallorca moves from five to six, and Enfidha (Tunisia’s gateway to Hammamet and Sousse) rises from two to three. That gives clients the kind of flexibility that makes swapping departure days or extending a week away much easier, without having to fly through Bristol or Manchester.
In total, Cardiff now handles 56 weekly TUI flights to 25 destinations through the summer peak. For families in South Wales, the Valleys or even Herefordshire who would rather skip the M4 slog, that opens up package options that might previously have felt out of reach.
One small but useful detail: TUI also confirmed year-round Fuerteventura flights, rolling over from the winter 2025/26 schedule. Canary Islands fans get a consistent option whether they are chasing winter sun or a May half-term escape.
For Your Client Conversations
Faro is an easy sell. Golden beaches, clifftop coves, golf courses, and a vibe that suits everyone from couples to multi-gen groups. Hurghada opens up snorkelling, diving and all-inclusive resorts along one of the warmest stretches of coastline around. It is a strong alternative to Turkey for families who want guaranteed heat and calm, shallow water.
The Cardiff piece matters for anyone who values convenience. A 90-minute drive to Bristol or Birmingham might sound fine in theory, but parents with young children, older travellers, or groups juggling multiple cars often appreciate a 20-minute hop to a local airport. TUI packages from Cardiff let agents offer that without compromising on destination choice.
The Practical Bit
Bookings are open now. Faro is worth flagging early, particularly given its broad appeal and limited weekly frequency. The Thursday/Sunday pattern works well for standard week-long breaks, and the Portugal season runs long enough to catch both May half-term and the September shoulder.
Hurghada’s twice-weekly pattern gives more wiggle room for 10- or 11-night trips, and Egypt’s price point often undercuts Spain when clients are budget-conscious but will not compromise on sunshine hours.
