Derry-Dublin route to be reinstated by third quarter of 2026

The Public Service Obligation (PSO) air service between City of Derry Airport and Dublin Airport will be up and running by the third quarter of 2026.

The news was confirmed by the Minister for Transport, Darragh O’Brien, and Colum Eastwood MP has welcomed the progress on the restoration of the air route.

Mr Eastwood has been working with Irish Government representatives on the restoration of the route and welcomed its inclusion in the Programme for Government. 

“This is great news for Derry and it’s another important part of enhancing connectivity between every part of the island to drive investment, create jobs and deliver more opportunities for people in the North West," the MP said.

“The Irish Government set out a clear and positive commitment to establish a new public service obligation route between Derry and Dublin in the Programme for Government this year and I am delighted that Minister Darragh O’Brien and others have wasted no time in rolling up their sleeves and getting to work. 

“This is a great example of how prioritising investment across our shared island can deliver for people and communities in every part of Ireland. I’m looking forward to continuing to work with the Minister and the whole Irish Government to deliver on shared priorities.”

Donegal Minister of State, Charlie McConalogue, has described the news as an extremely positive development.

“We had a good and productive meeting with Minister O’Brien this afternoon. Work on re-establishing air connectivity between Derry and Dublin airports has been ongoing for the last number of months and it was good to have members of City of Derry Airport meet with Minister O’Brien and his team," he said.

“Getting the Derry-Dublin route back up and running again is included in the Programme For Government and is something that we are very much committed to. I’d like to acknowledge the efforts of Minister O’Brien and his officials, Taoiseach, Micheál Martin, the team at Shared Islands, the board of City of Derry Airport, Derry-Strabane Council and Donegal County Council,” the Minister of State for Sport and Postal Policy added.

“I’m looking forward to seeing City of Derry Airport being leveraged to deliver air connectivity to Dublin and to other parts of the world through Dublin Airport. We are fortunate that we have several routes out of Derry, including Heathrow.

“I’m looking forward to building on today’s meeting and to seeing flights leaving from Derry to Dublin next year for the first time since 2011. It’s important that things proceed now within the timeline outlined and I will continue to work with Minister O’Brien and Derry City Airport as well as both councils to maintain progress,” he added.

Department of Transport will now undertake the required technical preparations and a market assessment, while tender documents for the procurement process will also be drawn up.

“The key to continued and future development and prosperity for the northwest is connectivity, and the reinstatement of the Derry-Dublin air route will significantly benefit the tourism and employment sectors,” Minister McConalogue commented.