Despite high winds which saw some services diverting to Bristol to land, bmibaby were still able to get two flights out to Malaga and Alicante.

The flights were delayed by up to two hours by gale-force conditions which saw four light aircraft at the airport overturned.

It offers real benefits in terms of tourism, trade and inward investment and will help to put Wales on to the European and world map

Andrew Davies

A member of the flying club said the planes were likely to be insurance write-offs.

Seven destinations are presently on offer - the two Spanish cities and Faro in Portugal are the overseas destinations on offer.

Domestic passengers can fly to Edinburgh, Glasgow, Belfast and Jersey.

From December, flights to Geneva and Milan will be available, which bmibaby managers are hoping will appeal to ski enthusiasts, as both destinations are easy access points to Alpine resorts.

Cardiff Airport's managing director Jon Horne said the flights would boost both business and tourism for Wales.

"The launch of bmibaby services is certainly something to celebrate, not just for the airline and the airport, but the whole of Wales.

"The opportunities that spring from this extend far beyond just cheap air travel for the people of Wales.

"Improved accessibility also means that Cardiff and Wales become much more attractive locations for business and tourists alike," he said.

Scottish link

Welsh Assembly economic development minister Andrew Davies said: "Making bmibaby happen has now given us a fantastic opportunity to promote Wales in Europe, to build up new business, and attract more visitors to Wales.

"It offers real benefits in terms of tourism, trade and inward investment and will help to put Wales on to the European and world map.

"The new low-cost bmibaby services is also very good news for Welsh travellers, and is set to increase the passenger business at Cardiff International Airport by a million people a year."

Scottish Secretary Helen Liddell also welcomed the return of services between Wales and Scotland.

The new services to and from Edinburgh and Glasgow represent the reinstatement of the withdrawn services previously operated by British Airways.