French fans flock through the airport

Cardiff Airport is gearing up to welcome approximately 6,500 French rugby fans through its doors from Thursday to Sunday in preparation for the big game on Friday, 26 February.

The French fans will be hoping to see their team continuing their unbeaten run in the RBS Six Nations tournament, and 21 extra charter flights filled with supporters will be landing at the airport from various destinations including Lyon, Bordeaux, Lille, Paris, Marseille and Toulouse. This is in addition to Flybe’s scheduled, six times a week service to Paris Charles de Gaulle from Cardiff Airport.

Friday morning between 10.30am and 12.30pm is expected to be the busiest time for inbound flights, with most of the charters returning on Sunday between 9am and 8.30pm. Additional security personnel, handling agents and airport staff will be brought in over the busiest periods to deal with the increased passenger numbers to ensure a smooth and efficient operation.

Russell Clements, the airport’s director of operations commented: “Rugby air lifts are always a busy time for us at the airport and we’re looking forward to a challenging and exciting weekend.

Over recent years Wales has developed into a major sports venue, with Cardiff and the Millennium Stadium leading the way with their ability to hold top class sporting events successfully on a regular basis. This means that the team here at the airport has extensive experience of dealing with the demands of large sporting events like this one and we’re confident that the air lift will be a success.

Once again we ask travelling fans to work with us and take notice of all security regulations and pick-up and drop off arrangements to ensure everything goes to plan over the coming weekend, so that they can all enjoy every minute of their visit to the Welsh capital.”

25/02/2010