EasyJet launch Edinburgh and Liverpool air routes from City of Derry airport

EasyJet has announced it will fly from the City of Derry Airport for the first time as it introduced two new routes. 

Beginning on November 4, flights to and from Edinburgh and Liverpool will operate twice a week on Mondays and Fridays throughout the year. 

The low cost airline has said the new flights will provide ‘stronger domestic connectivity’ for its customers between Northern Ireland and key cities in the UK.

Ali Gayward, EasyJet's UK country manager, said the airline was "delighted" to announce the launch from City of Derry Airport for the first time this winter.

She added: "We are proud to be the largest airline in Northern Ireland and by expanding our network we are providing our customers in Northern Ireland even greater choice and UK connectivity, all with great value fares and friendly service, and we look forward to welcoming them on board.”

City of Derry Airport's managing director Steve Frazer said it is an“extremely significant step forward” for the airport and the wider north west region.

He said these flight routes will be a key economic driver for business investment in the north west and inbound travel and tourism.

“This is an operator [easyJet] that has never operated at the airport before and this fills routes that we have been looking to fill for about three or four years.

“With easyJet, this has taken about three years to make this happen.”

The airport's head of business development, Brenda Morgan MBE, said the new flights will offer connectivity to two key UK airport hubs.

"Services to Edinburgh and Liverpool have been in demand from both corporate and leisure travellers in the north west," she said.

"The flight schedule for Monday’s and Friday’s provides fantastic timings for business travel during the week and weekend breaks for the leisure market.”

Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Cllr Lilian Seenoi Barr has welcomed news that EasyJet has launched operations from City of Derry Airport for the first time.

She said: “This is excellent news for the airport and a major boost for our customers. The announcement of these two routes is a major boost to the local airport and a welcome addition to the Airport’s existing routes. This is a very welcome boost for both the Airport and the wider Northwest region and a direct air link with Edinburgh and Liverpool is hugely important for the economic development of the region.

“The route will provide passengers with enhanced connectivity for business and leisure travel as well as a wide range of global options for onward journeys. As a Council we remain committed to ensuring City of Derry Airport is the airport of choice for the Northwest of Ireland, offering passengers both convenience and outstanding customer service.”

Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council Cllr Lilian Seenoi Barr has welcomed news.

She said: “This is excellent news for the airport and a major boost for our customers. The announcement of these two routes is a major boost to the local airport and a welcome addition to the Airport’s existing routes. This is a very welcome boost for both the Airport and the wider Northwest region and a direct air link with Edinburgh and Liverpool is hugely important for the economic development of the region.

“The route will provide passengers with enhanced connectivity for business and leisure travel as well as a wide range of global options for onward journeys. As a Council we remain committed to ensuring City of Derry Airport is the airport of choice for the Northwest of Ireland, offering passengers both convenience and outstanding customer service.”

The Mayor added: “These two great cities have lots to offer our customers, from history and heritage to popular culture. It’s also fantastic news for university students based in Liverpool and Edinburgh and a major coup for many Premier League football fans across the North West, who now have a direct connection and these new air links providing them with opportunities to link to other connecting flights and destinations. It’s also a fantastic opportunity for Derry and the North West to welcome more tourists from Liverpool and Scotland to enjoy a short break in the Walled City or to visit family friends in this part of the world.

“I want to congratulate easyJet on their new venture and thank the airport management and staff for all the work in securing this contract. We look forward to working with them over the coming months. “

Foyle election candidate Sandra Duffy said it was 'fantastic news' that EasyJet would be operating from the local airport.

Cllr Duffy said: “It is fantastic news that EasyJet will be joining City of Derry Airport and will begin flights from Liverpool and Edinburgh in November.

“This is an exciting opportunity which not only adds even more destinations and a new airline, but it is another clear sign that Derry is open for business."

She added: “I will continue to work with the airport and the Economy and Infrastructure Ministers to ensure transforming our airport.”

Greg McCann, President of Londonderry Chamber of Commerce said: “The news that City of Derry Airport will operate two new flight services to and from Edinburgh and Liverpool is hugely welcome.

“Chamber is extremely happy to see these developments, not only because it supports any member in expanding its offering, but also because it delivers upon the expansion of connectivity that the North West region has long needed.

“With these new services coming in the same year as City of Derry’s new route to and from Birmingham, 2024 has proved to be a positive year for the North West thus far.

“Further connectivity for the North West through land, air, and sea have been long sought after and we congratulate and applaud City of Derry Airport for delivering services that connect our region to the wider world.

“We look forward to the economic benefits these services will bring and to City of Derry Airport further expanding its offering through further moves.

“We especially look forward to the delivery of the New Decade, New Approach commitment to restore the public service obligation air route between Derry and Dublin.

“With east-west connectivity guaranteed through the airport’s activity in 2024, we must now build on this momentum and deliver further north-south connectivity.”