Derry airport handled 154,486 passengers in 2023, down 5.4pc on 2023 and down 24pc on pre-pandemic.
The airport is now 64.8pc short of its all time peak of 438,996 passengers in 2008.
The airport currently serves as a base for Scottish airline Loganair who operate routes to Glasgow and Heathrow. Ryanair have announced a Birmingham route for 2024 to commence April 3, revived after a ten-year hiatus, joining the existing Manchester service.
Air Nostrum will commence a seasonal charter to Palma de Mallorca on June 27 and BA Cityflyer a seasonal charter to Faro on May 20. Neos operate a seasonal charter to Verona.
Over the years, the airport has faced operational challenges and changes in airline services, including the introduction and subsequent discontinuation of various routes by airlines like Flybmi.
Recent developments include expansions of the terminal and safety zones, discussions about privatisation, and the launch of ski packages for local schools in 2024.
The airport’s origins trace back to its establishment as the RAF Eglinton air base during World War II, later becoming RNAS Eglinton and eventually transitioning to civilian use in the 1960s with limited commercial activities.
A significant redevelopment programme took place from 1989 to 1993, involving upgrades to facilities, runways, and navigation equipment.
