Scottish regional carrier, Loganair, is to provide a Glasgow to Derry service following Ryanair’s decision to discontinue the route. Loganair is to launch the link on 28 October – the day after Ryanair’s service ceases.
The regional carrier first served Derry in April 1979, becoming the first airline to operate to City of Derry Airport at the time.
Clive Coleman, contracts director for Regional & City Airports which manages City of Derry Airport, said: “We are absolutely delighted to welcome Scottish Airline, Loganair, back to City of Derry Airport. Loganair, was a key partner in the airport’s early years and we are very pleased to announce their return.”
Loganair will use a 33-seat Saab 340 aircraft on Monday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday with a larger, 50-capacity Saab 2000 aircraft used for Sunday evening services.
Derry will become Loganair’s 12th destination from Glasgow, the airline added Guernsey and Donegal to its Glasgow network this year and will resume non-stop flights in May from Glasgow to Bergen in Norway for a second summer season.
“Glasgow to Derry has always been a really popular route, given the close connections between the residents of the two cities,” said Jonathan Hinkles, managing director at Loganair.
He added: “We’re delighted to be returning to a route which we first initiated all those years ago, while also ensuring its continuation following Ryanair’s recent announcement. We very much hope that our decision to secure the future of this air link will be of keen interest to those with family ties and football affiliations, as well as people with business in the two regions.”
Francois Bourienne, Glasgow Airport commercial director, said the airport was thrilled its airline partner Loganair had decided to operate regular service to Derry, adding that the Northern Irish city is a “consistently-popular destination with our passengers.”
Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council Cllr Maolíosa McHugh welcomed the announcement, he said: “I am delighted that there will continue to be an air link between Glasgow and Derry as I know it’s a very popular route. The two cities have very strong cultural and historic links and it is important that these close connections are retained.”
