The Irish government plans to extend Public Service Obligation (PSO) support for a direct flight from Derry to Dublin, with services expected to start in 2026.
Minister for Transport Darragh O’Brien met with Derry City and Strabane District Council Chief Executive John Kelpie and City of Derry Airport management on 20 June 2025.
Department of Transport officials are collaborating with the Shared Island Unit, NI Department for the Economy, UK Department for Transport, and the European Commission on State aid implications.
A Market Sounding Exercise is planned for 2025 to determine the level and frequency of services needed for the Derry-Dublin route.
Attendees at the meeting included Minister Charlie McConalogue, Donegal County Council Chief Executive John McLaughlin, and City of Derry Airport officials Albert Harrison, Paul Byrne, and Steve Frazer.
Minister O’Brien shared: “In the context of building our shared Island, the Programme for Government includes a very clear commitment to engage with relevant stakeholders to establish air connectivity between Dublin and Derry City airports. We had a very constructive meeting today on progressing this commitment, and once the preparatory work is completed, I expect services will commence later in 2026 following a procurement process.”
