The UK government has announced funding to keep the air route between City of Derry Airport and Stansted Airport open for another year.
Up to 19 return flights a week will be supported under the subsidy which has been in place since 2017. It amounts to £1.1 million from both the Department of Transport and the Northern Ireland Department for the Economy.
Funding has been secured using a Public Service Obligation (PSO), which allows government to protect vital air connectivity into London, with Loganair again selected to operate the route. The Scottish airline took over running of the route following the recent demise of FlyBMI.
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 Department of Transport said supporting regional airports is critical to support jobs in the regions and to act “as a gateway to international opportunities”.
“Thousands of people and businesses depend on this crucial travel link, which is why we remain committed to securing the route,” Aviation Minister Baroness Vere said. “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.”
Owned by Derry City and Strabane District Council, the airport needs the subsidy to cover costs.
Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District, Councillor Sandra Duffy, welcomed the funding.
“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,” she said. “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.”
