Ryanair extends Birmingham and expands Manchester routes from City of Derry Airport for winter 2024

Ryanair, Europe’s No.1 airline, today (23 Oct) launched its Winter 2024 schedule for City of Derry Airport with 2 exciting routes – Birmingham and Manchester – giving Northern Irish citizens/visitors more choice and regular connections at the lowest fares in Europe this Winter.

Ryanair relaunched its Birmingham route from City of Derry Airport in Summer 2024, which the airline will now extend it into the Winter season. Ryanair has also added an extra return service on its popular Manchester route, which will now operate 6 weekly flights to/from City of Derry Airport for Winter 2024 (Mon, Fri, Sun).

Ryanair’s Head of Communications, Jade Kirwan, said: “As Europe’s No.1 airline, Ryanair is pleased to announce our Winter 2024 schedule for City of Derry Airport with 2 routes – Birmingham and Manchester. 

“As well as extending our new Birmingham route for the Winter season, we’re also adding extra flights on our popular Manchester route, providing Northern Ireland citizens/visitors with even more choice at the lowest fares in Europe.

“I think it is exciting as the two routes have been performing quite well.

“The traffic we tend to see come through the City of Derry airport from our customer surveys, they are heading over for work or visiting friends and family and so it is a very valuable route for that cohort and profile of customer.”

Today’s launch comes as Ryanair carries 5 million passengers through City of Derry Airport. Ryanair has operated to/from City of Derry Airport for the past 24 years, supporting important regional development and growth, including the airline’s support of over 65 local jobs, and driving year-round connectivity and tourism.

Ms Kirwan added: “There is steady growth there, I know 66 % is very substantial but I do think there is an opportunity to marginally grow each and every year like we have been doing. We have enjoyed a long 24-year relationship with the airport, a very positive one.

“We support 900 jobs across Northern Ireland in its entirety and we do carry 1.3 million passengers in and out of Northern Ireland each year across both City of Derry airport and Belfast International, in our huge operation across the country.”

Ms Kirwan sees room for potential expansion to and from the City of Derry airport if there is a demand for viable routes for Ryanair to explore. 

To celebrate the launch of Ryanair’s Winter 2024 schedule for City of Derry Airport, the airline has launched a limited-time seat sale with fares available from just £19.99 available only at www.ryanair.com.

City of Derry Airport’s Managing Director, Steve Frazer said: “We are thrilled to have Ryanair providing much needed air connectivity from the ‘Gateway of the Northwest’; and Birmingham and Manchester for travellers across the region this Winter.

“Passengers will benefit from a new Ryanair Birmingham service on a Monday, in addition to the existing Saturday service. This will be ideal for business travellers departing at the start of the week and returning at the weekend, as well as students who regularly commute, whilst offering leisure passengers a convenient weekend break.

“Ryanair’s Manchester will continue to operate on a Monday, Friday and Sunday, again ideal for both business and leisure travel, with additional services available across the Christmas holiday period to meet the needs of our local catchment area.

“We are extremely proud to have reached the momentous milestone of 5 million Ryanair passengers at City of Derry Airport, and we look forward to growing the airline’s presence in the Northwest for years to come.”