International passenger numbers triple at City of Derry

One year on from the launch of international single-ticket fares from City of Derry Airport, as part of the take-off of the Loganair London Heathrow service offering the new hub connectivity, new passenger figures have unveiled that the number travelling through the ‘Gateway of the Northwest’ to connect to international destinations has tripled from Summer 2023 to Summer 2024. These figures indicate a new wave of global travellers using the Airport, with the top connecting destinations outlined as Dubai, Doha and Abu Dhabi, and the top connecting airlines shown as British Airways, Emirates and Etihad Airways.

Steve Frazer, Managing Director at City of Derry Airport, commented: “It’s wonderful to see travellers across the Northwest enjoying the benefits of flying local to an array of bucket-list destinations across Europe, the Middle East, North and South America, Africa, Asia and Australasia.

“Passengers can drop their baggage at City of Derry, breeze through London Heathrow, and collect their baggage at their final destination. There is also increased baggage allowance as the international airline’s baggage permissions apply throughout the journey.

“In terms of planning international travel, passengers can simply book single-ticket fares via the international airline website, or via a local travel agent. Full information on all destinations and the airline carriers available to book for each destination is shown on the City of Derry Airport website: www.cityofderryairport.com/destinations/international-connections.”

New Derry - Birmingham service starts

Ryanair’s new year-round Birmingham  - City of Derry Airport started on Wednesday 3rd April, which provided a well-earned cause for celebration with Jade Kirwan, Ryanair’s Head of Communications, and the Mayor of Derry City & Strabane District Council, Cllr Patricia Logue, in attendance to mark the occasion. The new route will provide much needed connectivity to the UK Midlands for leisure and corporate travellers across the Northwest, and budget-friendly fares with prices starting from just £14.95 one-way.

The passengers travelling on the inaugural arrival and departure services between City of Derry and Birmingham were treated to some VIP hospitality with a range of complimentary refreshments, special retail offers, free samples from local crafters, and family fun with the Easter Bunny himself! The first arrival passengers also received a warm welcome to the Northwest with a water salute over the Ryanair aircraft on arrival onto the airfield.

Jade Kirwan, Head of Communications at Ryanair stated: “Ryanair is delighted to officially launch our exciting new Summer ’24 schedule at City of Derry Airport, with the first flight of our new Birmingham route taking off today (3rd Apr). Ryanair’s new Birmingham route will operate twice per week (Wed & Sat), building on our regular services to/from Manchester – the UK’s ‘Capital of the North’, and offering our customers even greater connectivity with the UK, whether travelling for work, study, or leisure, at Ryanair’s infamous low fares.”

City of Derry / London Heathrow route secured

Economy Minister Conor Murphy recently confirmed that funding to protect the continuation of the flights from the City of Derry Airport (CoDA) to London Heathrow is assured.

The route, which is jointly funded by the Department for Transport and the Department for the Economy, provides critical connectivity from the north-west to London. The funding of £1.018m begins on 1 April 2024 for one year, with airline Loganair set to continue operating 20 return flights a week.

The Minister said:  “Funding this route between City of Derry Airport and London Heathrow was an early priority for me as Economy Minister. The route connects the North West to London which helps thousands of people to travel to work and conduct business. This investment also protects jobs for airport workers and their families.

I look forward to working with the airport and my colleague, the Minister for Infrastructure, John O’Dowd, to develop CoDA as part of building the North West economy.”

Infrastructure Minister John O’Dowd said:   “Our ports and airports play a vital role in our local economy and are important regional drivers of economic growth. I am committed to working with the Minister for the Economy to listen to the case brought forward by Derry City and Strabane District Council for support for CoDA, and to working together with the rest of the Executive to identify ways to support our airports.”

Welcoming the announcement Steve Frazer, City of Derry Airport Managing Director said:  “Continuation of this connectivity from City of Derry Airport to London Heathrow is vital for the Northwest region to support our economic growth, improving both our business and tourism opportunities. Coupled with the fastest and most convenient access to central London, the route also provides onward connectivity to 119 destinations across 56 countries. With this core route now secured thanks to Minister Murphy’s announcement today, improved regional connectivity will help drive our inward investment and growth opportunities across the Northwest.

We also very much welcome the visit of Minister O’Dowd, and look forward to working with his department to finalise a support package which will ensure the airport continues to contribute to the economic growth of our region for some years to come, something which has not been possible to achieve without Ministers in place.”

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City of Derry Airport partner with Loganair & Londonderry Chamber on event for CEF Members

City of Derry Airport was proud to partner with the Construction Employers Federation (CEF), Loganair and Londonderry Chamber of Commerce for a special Information Session and Tour for CEF Members this week.

CEF Members were informed on the new daily Loganair London Heathrow service, and onward international connectivity, the regular Glasgow and Liverpool services, as well as the number of benefits available on Corporate Travel with Loganair via City of Derry Airport.

Congratulations to Lesley Willis of Henry Brothers, who was the lucky winner of the fantastic prize offering as part of the event. Lesley will enjoy Loganair prize flights for two to London Heathrow on her chosen travel dates, plus complimentary Airport Parking and access to the Amelia Earhart Lounge at City of Derry Airport.

Visit the Loganair website for more information on the benefits of Corporate Travel with Loganair via the City of Derry Airport.

Commenting on the best elements of travelling via City of Derry, Steve Frazer, Managing Director at City of Derry Airport, stated: “Firstly, the warm welcome and personable service from our staff, who know many of our passengers by first name, is something you won’t always find at an Airport.

“As the ‘Gateway of the Northwest’ for over 40 years, we are proud to provide the region with the convenience of flying local, and reduced travel time and cost as we offer the best-priced Airport Parking on the island of Ireland. With single level access and less than 15 mins from our carpark to our departure gate, our passengers can enjoy a stress-free start to their trip.”

Loganair launches London Heathrow Airport - City of Derry Airport service

Saturday 6th May 2023 was a proud and momentous day for the management and staff at City of Derry Airport, and the entire Northwest region, as the first service in history between City of Derry and London Heathrow Airport took to the skies. The new service operated by Loganair, who have a long-standing partnership with the Airport spanning over four decades, is now available three times per day. This not only provides frequent air access to one of the world’s leading transport hubs, but also offers a fast and convenient gateway for international outbound travel and inbound tourism opportunities via the Northwest.

The launch was celebrated at the Airport with special guests; Cllr Sandra Duffy, the Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Anna Doherty, CEO of Londonderry Chamber of Commerce, James Kilgore, Vice President of Causeway Chamber of Commerce, Shane Grant, Board Member at Letterkenny Chamber of Commerce, and Ciaran Doherty, Head of Regions at Tourism NI.

The passengers on the inaugural outbound London Heathrow service received some VIP treatment with the provision of some complimentary refreshments and goodies to get their trip off to a best start, and the first inbound passengers also received a truly memorable ‘Welcome to the Northwest’ with a water cannon salute to celebrate the inaugural arrival from London Heathrow!

Steve Frazer, Managing Director at City of Derry Airport, expressed his delight at the launch: “The take off of Loganair’s new service between City of Derry Airport and London Heathrow Airport is a significant milestone for us. Gaining international hub access is a substantial step in the economic and strategic growth of the region and our vision for the future of the Airport.

“In terms of outbound travel, London Heathrow truly opens a ‘Gateway to the World’, as passengers are now able to book single ticket connections to and from City of Derry Airport via London Heathrow to 119 destinations across 56 countries.

Loganair to fly City of Derry - London route....

Government funding to enable up to 19 return flights between City of Derry Airport and London Stansted every week for another year.

A vital air route between City of Derry Airport and London Stansted has been secured until March 2024 thanks to support from the UK Department for Transport and the Department for the Economy.

The UK government has funded the air route since 2017, bolstering connections between Northern Ireland and England whilst supporting thousands of jobs and providing a significant boost to Northern Ireland’s economy.

The Aviation Minister Baroness Vere has today (31 March 2023) announced the Department for Transport will continue subsidising the route alongside the Department for the Economy in Northern Ireland, with both departments providing £1.1 million in 2023/24 to maintain the connection.

Today’s announcement will secure the future of the route for another year until 31 March 2024 and enable up to 19 return flights every week.

Aviation Minister Baroness Vere said:  "Thousands of people and businesses depend on this crucial travel link, which is why we remain committed to securing the route.

Our funding will maintain this vital connection between Derry/Londonderry and London, with 19 services operating every week for at least another year, supporting jobs, and providing a boost to Northern Ireland’s economy."

Funding has been secured using a Public Service Obligation (PSO), which allows government to protect vital air connectivity into London, with Loganair once again being selected to operate the route.

The funding of £1.1 million from the NI Department for the Economy is a ringfenced allocation from the Northern Ireland Office specifically for this City of Derry Airport PSO and which cannot be used in any other DfE policy area.

The UK government recognises the importance of maintaining a thriving and competitive aviation sector in the UK to deliver union connectivity, while supporting our levelling up agenda.

Regional airports serve our local communities, by supporting thousands of jobs in the regions and acting as a gateway to international opportunities, alongside maintaining social and family ties and strengthening the bonds across the UK.

Welcoming the announcement, Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District, Councillor Sandra Duffy, said:  "This is extremely positive news and I am pleased to see this further commitment to promoting regional connectivity which will be widely welcomed, particularly by the local business community.

Regular, reliable services to London are critical to the North West economy in terms of both business and leisure, and a key component of our strategic plans to make this region more appealing and accessible for international investors."

From 1 April 2023, a new domestic band will apply to flights between airports in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, cutting Air Passenger Duty by 50% to bolster UK connectivity and ensure passengers have access to more affordable flights.

New route between City of Derry Airport and London Stansted

Government funding to enable up to 19 return flights between City of Derry Airport and London Stansted every week for another year.

A vital air route between City of Derry Airport and London Stansted has been secured until March 2024 thanks to support from the UK Department for Transport and the Department for the Economy.

The UK government has funded the air route since 2017, bolstering connections between Northern Ireland and England whilst supporting thousands of jobs and providing a significant boost to Northern Ireland’s economy.

The Aviation Minister Baroness Vere has today (31 March 2023) announced the Department for Transport will continue subsidising the route alongside the Department for the Economy in Northern Ireland, with both departments providing £1.1 million in 2023/24 to maintain the connection.

Today’s announcement will secure the future of the route for another year until 31 March 2024 and enable up to 19 return flights every week.

Aviation Minister Baroness Vere said:  "Thousands of people and businesses depend on this crucial travel link, which is why we remain committed to securing the route.

Our funding will maintain this vital connection between Derry/Londonderry and London, with 19 services operating every week for at least another year, supporting jobs, and providing a boost to Northern Ireland’s economy."

Funding has been secured using a Public Service Obligation (PSO), which allows government to protect vital air connectivity into London, with Loganair once again being selected to operate the route.

The funding of £1.1 million from the NI Department for the Economy is a ringfenced allocation from the Northern Ireland Office specifically for this City of Derry Airport PSO and which cannot be used in any other DfE policy area.

The UK government recognises the importance of maintaining a thriving and competitive aviation sector in the UK to deliver union connectivity, while supporting our levelling up agenda.

Regional airports serve our local communities, by supporting thousands of jobs in the regions and acting as a gateway to international opportunities, alongside maintaining social and family ties and strengthening the bonds across the UK.

Welcoming the announcement, Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District, Councillor Sandra Duffy, said:  "This is extremely positive news and I am pleased to see this further commitment to promoting regional connectivity which will be widely welcomed, particularly by the local business community.

Regular, reliable services to London are critical to the North West economy in terms of both business and leisure, and a key component of our strategic plans to make this region more appealing and accessible for international investors."

From 1 April 2023, a new domestic band will apply to flights between airports in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, cutting Air Passenger Duty by 50% to bolster UK connectivity and ensure passengers have access to more affordable flights.

Loganair Edinburgh - Derry service takes to the skies

There were ‘bonnie’ celebrations aplenty at City of Derry Airport yesterday,  Tuesday 17th May for the launch of Loganair’s inaugural service to Edinburgh! The new service will bring welcome connectivity for the North West for leisure breaks, visiting family and friends, and a business link with the Scottish capital.

The Airport welcomed the inaugural Edinburgh passengers with some special Scottish themed hospitality, giveaways, musical entertainment and decorations to mark the wonderful occasion.

Loganair also welcomed some key stakeholders and corporate partners from across the North West on board for the inaugural departure, outlining the fast, friendly and convenient airport and airline experience guaranteed for anyone travelling on the new service. Corporate guests included Londonderry Chamber of Commerce, Foyle Hospice, Derry City Football Club and Donegal Daily.

Steve Frazer, Managing Director at City of Derry Airport, commented: “A direct connection to Edinburgh has been greatly missed in recent months, particularly for those regularly commuting to study or work, or visit family and friends, and we are delighted that Loganair has taken to the skies to provide this much-needed service.

“The 55-minute direct connection to Edinburgh is now available three days per week on a Tuesday, Friday and Sunday, with increased frequency during the peak summer months when additional flights will be available on a Thursday and Saturday.

Mr Frazer added: “Edinburgh is an amazing destination and has something to offer for everyone on a leisure break – history and culture, family fun, unique food and drink experiences, nightlife – the options are endless! And of course, Edinburgh is a key UK business hub providing essential corporate connectivity for the North West region.”

 Kay Ryan, chief commercial officer at Loganair, said: “We are committed to providing the City of Derry Airport with UK wide connectivity and we are thrilled to bring this new route to Edinburgh, building on our already established services across our network from Northern Ireland.

“The route is likely to be popular for leisure passengers visiting the wide range of cultural and historic sites of the Scottish capital, in addition to the hospitality and retail offerings, while students and business travellers can benefit from the new quick connection three days per week. We look forward to welcoming passengers from the City of Derry Airport onboard this new service.”

Colin Gracey, Sales Manager with Loganair and Steve Frazer, Managing Director, City of Derry Airport pictured at the launch of the airlines new route to Edinburgh.

The all-inclusive fares start from £53.99pp one way with 15kg checked-in luggage and in-flight refreshments included as standard with Loganair.

There are additional perks to avail of when travelling with Loganair; families can enjoy 33% discount on Loganair fares for children aged 2-11 (under two’s fly for free), and those planning a group getaway can benefit from flexible fares on booking/itinerary changes and payment.

Corporate travellers can sign up to ‘Clan Loganair’, the airline’s rewards programme for regular passengers where you can build up points and redeem towards a free flight of choice. Those travelling for business can also make use of ‘FlyFlex’, where you can jump on an earlier flight available on the same date planned (provided seats are available) and ‘FlexProtect’ where refunds are guaranteed without change fees should government travel requirements change.

Aidan O’Kane, Londonderry Chamber President, added: “I was thrilled to fly to Edinburgh today as part of Loganair’s inaugural service to the Scottish capital. From tourism to trade, this new route will be a huge boost to the North West economy, strengthening our regional links across the Irish Sea. The City of Derry Airport continues to grow, and political leadership is required to ensure that we can keep adding these exciting links across the UK and Ireland. I look forward to seeing this new route take hold and would like to congratulate Loganair and the Airport for their excellent work launching it today.”

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New Partnership Announced with CEF and City of Derry Airport

The Construction Employer’s Federation (CEF) for Northern Ireland and City of Derry Airport (CoDA) have joined forces in an exciting new partnership. As the Gateway of the North West, the Airport will be offering convenient and budget-friendly business connectivity for CEF members across Northern Ireland that are regularly commuting to London, Liverpool, Manchester, Glasgow and Edinburgh, as well as the provision of commercial discount on airport services and facilities.

The CEF is the sole certified representative body for the construction industry in Northern Ireland, representing approximately 70% of construction and around 800 businesses of all sizes that employ over 30,000 staff directly and 65,000 in the wider supply chain. CEF is the Voice of the NI Industry on the UK Construction Leadership Council, BuildUK and the NI Procurement Board.

Mark Spence, Managing Director at the CEF stated: “The CEF is delighted to welcome City of Derry Airport as a Commercial Partner at a time when the construction industry is looking at time and cost-effective connections to sites across the UK. CoDA brings significant additional route choice and the door-to-door time times of this regional airport compares very favourably with the larger airports. We look forward to working together with CoDA to offer local firms’ greater choice and convenience when travelling for business.”

More Ryanair flights from City of Derry Airport

Ryanair made a highly anticipated return to the North West in December to operate the new service between City of Derry Airport and Manchester. Following the roaring success over the last few months with consistently high passenger loads, the airline has increased the frequency of the service with a new Monday departure and arrival flight taking off from 2nd May 2022.

Steve Frazer, Managing Director at City of Derry Airport, expressed his delight: “We are thrilled that Ryanair’s service between the North West and Manchester has proved to be such a success, demonstrating the importance of this connection for the local catchment area.”

Mr. Frazer explained: “We can see that the service is frequently used by corporate passengers and students who commute regularly, as well as reuniting many in the North West with their family and friends living in Manchester. In terms of leisure, Manchester has so much to offer for family breaks, couples retreats, and group getaways, particularly hen and stag parties who regularly book out our Amelia Earhart Airport Lounge for private parties before they take off to Manchester!

“Ryanair’s budget-friendly fares for services between City of Derry Airport and Manchester start from just £11.99pp one way and with the increased frequency, flights are now available four days per week – Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday. These days are ideal for anyone regularly commuting and weekend breaks. Flights are available to book now.”

Ryanair’s Senior Marketing Executive, Megan Grennan said: “We are delighted to increase our frequency from City of Derry Airport to Manchester for Summer 2022. With so much on offer to see and do in the North West from golfing, to historical tours, and lively hospitality, we encourage our customers to book their next getaway to Derry as soon as possible. Similarly, as a hub of nightlife and leisure activity, Manchester is an exciting destination for outbound customers to visit this Summer with flights now available four times per week.”

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City of Derry Airport Bolsters Links with Scottish Capital

The city of Derry Airport will welcome a new route to Edinburgh Airport this summer thanks to the UK’s largest regional airline, Loganair.

The new 55-minute direct service between Londonderry and Edinburgh launches 17th May 2022 and will initially operate three times weekly on Tuesdays, Fridays and Sundays. During the peak summer months, frequency will increase with additional flights on Thursdays and Saturdays.

Operated using a 49-seat Embraer 145 regional jet, the route will see fares starting from £53.99 one-way. 

Kay Ryan, Loganair’s Chief Commercial Officer, said: “Keeping people connected is a key driver for us and launching this route further strengthens our network across the UK while developing our partnerships with each airport.

“Offering greater choice, we now operate services from City of Derry to Edinburgh, Glasgow, London Stanstead and Liverpool, with further onward connections to the Highlands and Islands, benefiting business and leisure travellers alike.”

Kate Sherry, Aviation Director at Edinburgh Airport said: “This is Derry good news for passengers as we increase connectivity between Northern Ireland and Edinburgh as part of our move to strengthen our domestic schedule where we can. It’s important that we provide sustainable choice for passengers who need and want to travel whether that be for business or leisure, and we look forward to working with Loganair to identify further opportunities.”

Steve Frazer, Managing Director of City of Derry Airport, said: “We are delighted to welcome the Edinburgh route to the Loganair network from City of Derry Airport.  Improving connectivity is key to strengthening our frequency to key business routes in support of the North West’s regional development plans.  We are experiencing a high demand for leisure, visiting friends and family and as tourism is growing element of our economy we see this as a great opportunity to connect both cities and regions.  We look forward to also welcoming inbound visitors to the Walled City and to where the world-famous Causeway Coastal Route meets the breath-taking Wild Atlantic Way.”

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Ryanair to start new service between Derry and Manchester

Europe’s No.1 hated airline Ryanair has announced a new route for Winter 2021 between City of Derry airport and Manchester. The budget carrier will fly the route three times a week and will consider adding an additional rotation if demand requires using a Boeing 737 MAX aircraft. 

Ryanair’s Director of Commercial, Jason Mc Guinness, said: "We are delighted to add this new route from Derry to Manchester."

The airline is deliberately trying to mislead the public by renaming the Boeing 737 MAX as Boeing 737 8 2 Gamechanger aircraft in its publicity and distance itself from the two fatal crashes of flawed designed MAX jets that resulted in an almost two-year grounding.  

A spokesperson for the City of Derry Airport said "We’re very pleased to welcome Ryanair back to the Northwest, once again connecting our people and businesses. Manchester is a hugely popular destination from our region, and giving people more options to fly from their doorstep is fantastic"

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Escape to the summer sun with City of Derry Airport

City of Derry Airport announced new flights to Majorca and the Algarve for next summer, which will make it easier for holidaymakers in the Northwest.

Travel Solutions, Northern Ireland's award-winning and leading tour operator, will operate weekly flights to these popular holiday destinations from June 2022, offering a choice of self-catering and hotel options at competitive prices.

Holidaymakers in the Northwest are now able to book a holiday to these popular sun destinations, with the convenience of departing from their local airport at competitive prices. The new routes will commence from 29th June 2022 to 31 August 2022 inclusive.

Launching the new holiday programme, Travel Solutions Managing Director, Peter McMinn, said “ We have always known that holidaymakers in the Northwest wanted to fly from their local airport, and with the help of the team at City of Derry Airport, we are pleased that from summer 2022, Travel Solutions will be offering their award-winning holidays to the island of Majorca and to The Algarve. Direct flights from City of Derry Airport make it so much easier”.

Welcome back......City of Derry Airport – Liverpool flights resume

A few Beatles’ lyrics were being quoted yesterday morning to celebrate the official launch of the eagerly awaited new Loganair service between City of Derry Airport (CODA) and Liverpool John Lennon Airport.

The Glasgow-based company – now the UK’s largest regional airline – recently stepped in to re-establish the popular UK domestic route following Ryanair’s decision to step back as the carrier.

Loganair is initially offering flights four days a week on Monday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday. However, this will increase to a daily service from late June – the perfect escape for a weekend city break following the easing of COVID-19 restrictions. Fares start at £44.99 one way with hand baggage and hold luggage allowance included as well as refreshments served on board.

The air link between CODA and Liverpool is just the ticket for visitors who love everything the former cities of culture have to offer ranging from music legends to Premier League football.

The iconic Abbey Road image of The Fab Four was even re-enacted on the tarmac at CODA during the celebrations to mark the launch of the new Loganair service this morning.