City of Derry Airport is anticipating a 25% increase in passenger numbers next year, thanks to the addition of a new Dublin route and ongoing discussions to secure summer destinations for the following year.

This past year has been a significant one for Derry’s airport, as government funding has been secured for the next four years, easing the financial burden on Derry City & Strabane District ratepayers. This shift in funding demonstrates the government’s trust in the airport as a key piece of infrastructure in the region.

In addition to this financial support, City of Derry Airport has also seen growth in its route offerings, with Easyjet now operating from the airport for the first time. Easyjet has expanded its routes over the past year and has become the largest operator at the airport in terms of volume.

The airport’s Managing Director, Steve Frazer, praises his staff and the sense of pride they have in their work. He sees the airport as an integral part of the North West, connecting people to and from the region. With the security of government funding and successful partnerships with airlines like Easyjet, the airport is moving in the right direction.

Efforts to secure new routes and airlines have paid off, with Easyjet joining Loganair, Ryanair, and other carriers at City of Derry Airport. The addition of Easyjet’s routes to Liverpool, Edinburgh, and Birmingham has been a success, with the Liverpool route in particular proving to be popular.

Recently, the airport has also secured support from the Irish government for a Dublin route, which will not only connect the North West to the Irish capital but also open up global routes to the US, Canada, and beyond. While the route is expected to begin in October 2026, discussions are ongoing to possibly accelerate its start date to the summer.

The airport’s London Heathrow route, supported by the UK government as a Public Service Obligation (PSO) route, now operates with increased frequency. This connection to a major hub like Heathrow has been a major achievement for the airport, allowing passengers to easily connect to destinations all over the world.

Looking towards the future, Mr.Frazer is hopeful for continued growth and success. Plans are in place for winter flights to Verona for skiing holidays, and discussions with various airlines for summer holiday routes are ongoing. The airport is aiming to add popular destinations such as Malaga, Palma, Faro, and Tenerife to its offerings in summer 2027.

Overall, it has been a successful year for City of Derry Airport, with securing government funding, expanding route offerings, and establishing partnerships with major airlines. The airport is well on its way to achieving its goal of carrying 250,000 passengers by the end of 2025 and is poised for further growth in the years to come.