The three-times weekly service is the budget carrier’s third addition at Cardiff for summer 2019, taking its total number of routes from the South Wales hub to five.
Twice-weekly Barcelona and Malta services will launch this summer alongside Malaga. Ryanair already operates a weekly Tenerife service from Cardiff and a twice-weekly Faro service.
Cardiff airport chief executive Deb Barber said: “Malaga is one of our most popular destinations, with customers jetting off to enjoy city breaks and sun holidays all year round.
“The addition of three return flights a week this summer adds a wealth of choice for customers seeking low-cost fares.
“We look forward to the launch of direct flights to Malaga, Malta and Barcelona, plus the continuation of services to Faro and Tenerife, in 2019.”
Meanwhile, Ryanair has added an additional 20 return flights for travel between April 29 and May 7.
More than 7,500 new seats will be available to 16 destinations, including Alicante, Biarritz, Fuerteventura, Gran Canaria, Lanzarote, Marrakech, Seville and Tenerife.