SCOTTISH airline Loganair’s government subsidised daily service from City of Derry Airport to London Southend Airport launched for the first time on Sunday.
The public service obligation (PSO) link between Derry and London Standsted had been operated by Flybmi until the regional airline went into administration in February.
Loganair, who took over many of Flybmi’s routes, switched the Derry PSO route to London Southend, some 36 miles from the centre of the city and 50 minutes by train.
The PSO link, which has been in place since 2017, is currently funded by the Department for Transport in London and the Department for the Economy.
The Scottish airline said it will operate a minimum of 13 departures per week.
Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District, Michaela Boyle said: “City of Derry Airport remains an important regional gateway which many local businesses have come to rely on.
“In keeping with the ambitions of our strategic growth plan and promoting regional connectivity, we are committed to developing and enhancing services and sustainability at the airport and to ensuring that City of Derry Airport is the airport of choice for the north west of Ireland.”
Managing director of Loganair, Jonathan Hinkles, said: “The route is ideal for business travellers, but it will also be popular with holidaymakers in both directions, eager to explore London and South East England as well as everything Northern Ireland’s North West has to offer.”
Airport manager at City of Derry Airport, Charlene Shongo said: “City of Derry Airport has become the airport of choice for the North West of Ireland, offering both convenience and excellent customer service.
“We have fantastic facilities on our doorstep, and I would encourage all travellers within the local catchment area to think about flight options from their local airport when making future travel arrangements."
