Disappointment as Derry-Dublin air service to miss October launch
Plans to launch direct flights between Derry and Dublin next month have been pushed back, with no airline, timetable or start date yet confirmed for the long-awaited service.
The Department of Transport has told Donegal Daily that it expects to publish a Request for Tenders “very shortly”, with the aim of awarding a contract before the end of 2026.
Flights will begin as soon as the successful operator can make the service operational.
In an update in May, Transport Minister Darragh O’Brien had indicated that the Public Service Obligation route was expected to commence in October 2026 following a tender process.
The service was expected to operate twice daily as part of the winter 2026 airline scheduling season.
A market-sounding survey published on 22nd December 2025 received more than 700 responses, showing strong interest in the service across Derry and the wider north west.
The latest update has sparked disappointment in Inishowen where there has been strong interest in the return of the connection.
Around 40% of passengers using City of Derry Airport come from Donegal.
Donegal County Councillor Joy Beard said: “I am disappointed that the Derry–Dublin service will not now be operational in October as previously indicated.
“A number of people have contacted me because they had been hoping to use the service, so it was important to get some clarity on where things currently stand.”
Cllr Beard said she contacted City of Derry Airport directly and was informed that the service remains planned but is not yet operational.
The Department of Transport told Donegal Dail y : “The Department anticipates being in a position to publish a Request for Tenders (RfT) document very shortly, with a view to a contract being awarded this year and services commencing on the route as soon as operationally feasible by the successful operator.”
Cllr Beard said the restoration of the route would provide an important additional transport option for people across Donegal and the wider North West.
“This would be a very valuable connection for Inishowen, Donegal and the wider North West. Donegal has no rail link to Dublin and people are heavily dependent on road transport, so the service would provide another important option for work, medical appointments, education, business, tourism and onward travel.
“I welcome the Department’s confirmation that the tender is expected to be published shortly and that it intends to award the contract this year.
"I would now hope to see the process progress as quickly as possible and a clear commencement date provided once an operator is appointed.”
Government-funded flights between City of Derry Airport and Dublin previously operated under a PSO arrangement before ending in 2011.
With continued delays on the A5 motorway upgrade, the Government committed to working towards restoring the air connection, with the Department beginning formal market preparations for the new service in late 2025.
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