The airport, which becomes the carrier’s fourth UK base, marks the airline’s first venture into Wales and will create nearly 300 new jobs across industries such as aviation, transportation, hospitality and tourism.
The carrier will operate services to Alicante, Faro, Heraklion, Palma de Mallorca, Larnaca, Lanzarote and Tenerife, with flights to Corfu planned to start in June, and Sharm El Sheikh in November.
Wizz said the move will "provide a boost" to the local economy by increasing the annual capacity of Cardiff airport by more than 330,000 seats.
The airline is currently recruiting for cabin and flight crew at the airport and welcomes applications from both experienced cabin crew, and those with no previous experience.
Marion Geoffroy, managing director of Wizz Air UK, said the new base will provide a "significant boost" to the Welsh economy.
"This is a very exciting time for Wizz Air in the UK, as we celebrate the opening of our highly anticipated base at Cardiff airport," she added.
"By bringing our new and efficient Airbus aircraft to Cardiff, the wings of which are manufactured in Wales, we are providing a significant boost to the Welsh economy and creating jobs.
"The base, which is our fourth in the UK, will bring further connectivity to the region, with passengers in Wales and the south west of England now able to take advantage of our ultra-low fares to ’fly local’ to their favourite getaways."
