Derry–Dublin Flight Route to Resume After Years
Dublin: Ireland is set to restore direct air services between City of Derry Airport and Dublin, nearly a quarter of a century after the route was suspended. The service, which last operated in 2011, is scheduled to resume next year, Public Expenditure Minister Jack Chambers confirmed in his budget announcement.
An earlier attempt to relaunch the route in 2016 was abandoned in the aftermath of the Brexit referendum, but officials say the time is now right to re-establish the vital air link. While the minister did not specify a start date, he confirmed that preparations are underway to include the service in next year’s transport network.
The decision has been widely welcomed by business groups, local authorities, and travel operators. The City of Derry Airport described the move as “a major step forward” for regional connectivity, while travel agents said the renewed link would open up valuable opportunities for tourism, trade, and community ties.
Representatives from Derry City and Strabane District Council hailed the announcement as a significant development that will strengthen economic and social connections between the northwest and the capital.
Sinn Féin MLA Padraig Delargy praised the move as “a positive step for the entire northwest region”, highlighting the airport’s crucial role in driving local growth and linking communities across Ireland and Britain.
Anna Doherty, Chief Executive of the Londonderry Chamber of Commerce, said the reinstated route would deliver “a major economic boost” to the region. “Restoring this vital connection to Dublin will enhance accessibility for businesses, attract investment, and support tourism across the northwest,” she said.
Irish Samachar English News
Comments are closed.