Heineken passengers pour through Cardiff Airport
Published: 20 May 2011
As the city of Cardiff gears up for a big weekend of rugby so does the airport, with over 7,000 rugby followers expected through the terminal doors over the weekend for the Heineken Cup final and Amlin Challenge Cup finals held in the city on Friday and Saturday, 20 and 21 May 2011.
Stade Francais fans will be arriving at the airport on Friday in time to watch their team take on London’s Harlequins at the Cardiff City Stadium on Friday evening, and large numbers of Leinster fans will be coming in on Friday and Saturday to watch their team take on the Northampton Saints at the Millennium Stadium in an aim to become the Champions of Europe.
A total of over 100 extra flights will be operating throughout the weekend – mostly carrying Leinster fans arriving and departing on the day of the final. The busiest times for arriving flights will be on Saturday from 0900-1200.
Approx 60 coaches will be waiting to transfer the travelling fans between the airport and the city centre on Saturday, and Cardiff Council, South Wales Police and Cardiff Airport have worked together on additional measures to ensure a smooth and efficient operation.
Additional security personnel, handling agents and airport staff will also be on duty to deal with the additional passenger numbers at the airport.
Kerry Quinn, the airport’s director of operations commented: “Cardiff Airport is experienced in dealing with large numbers through its doors to correspond with large sporting events held in the capital, and previous successful operations demonstrate the team’s ability to deal with an airlift of this magnitude.
The operation conducted when the Heineken Cup final was last held in Cardiff in 2008 was a great success, and by working closely with all partners involved we expect the arrangements will once again run smoothly and efficiently so that the travelling fans can enjoy their brief visit to the Welsh capital.
We ask travelling fans to be patient, to be aware of security regulations and to work with us to ensure everything goes to plan on the day. For the latest security advice please click here. We wish all teams the best of luck in both finals.”