Cardiff Airport (CWL-EGFF) has opened its departure lounge extension which includes new seating, a Costa coffee shop and a WH Smith.
The seating area makes use of a previously unused void in the terminal area and offers more seating ahead of the start of Qatar Airways on May 1st.
Seating in the area is a combination of seats and S-shaped benches, some of the new seating includes at-seat charing points with plugs and USB connections.
The walls carry silhouettes of iconic Welsh images including Cardiff Bay’s Millenium Centre.
For those hoping for a view while waiting, the new extension offers limited views of the apron, mainly the area known as the “cul-de-sac” which is made up of gates 1-3.
The new area is part of a £4 million investment into the improvements of passenger experience at Cardiff Airport.
Guests on hand at the opening included British Lions and Wales player, Sam Warburton OBE and singers, Only Boys Aloud.
Deb Barber, CEO at Cardiff Airport said: “Today’s unveiling is the culmination of months of planning and the hard work of the Cardiff Airport team and contractors who supported our vision of being an outstanding capital city airport delivering an exceptional customer experience.
“The latest investment will significantly transform the experience for customers, offering more choice and quality in modern, welcoming surroundings. This is especially important at a time when we are experiencing passenger growth and working with our airline partners to introduce more choice in services for our customers.
“With the summer season now underway and the imminent launch of Qatar Airways on May 1st these latest improvements show our commitment to our customers and we sincerely hope that everyone travelling through Cardiff will enjoy these new facilities.”