International Passenger Numbers Triple at City of Derry Airport

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One year on from the launch of international single-ticket fares from City of Derry Airport, as part of the take-off of the Loganair London Heathrow service offering the new hub connectivity, new passenger figures have unveiled that the number travelling through the ‘Gateway of the Northwest’ to connect to international destinations has tripled from Summer 2023 to Summer 2024. These figures indicate a new wave of global travellers using the Airport, with the top connecting destinations outlined as Dubai, Doha and Abu Dhabi, and the top connecting airlines shown as British Airways, Emirates and Etihad Airways.

Steve Frazer, Managing Director at City of Derry Airport, commented: “It’s wonderful to see travellers across the Northwest enjoying the benefits of flying local to an array of bucket-list destinations across Europe, the Middle East, North and South America, Africa, Asia and Australasia.

“Passengers can drop their baggage at City of Derry, breeze through London Heathrow, and collect their baggage at their final destination. There is also increased baggage allowance as the international airline’s baggage permissions apply throughout the journey.

“In terms of planning international travel, passengers can simply book single-ticket fares via the international airline website, or via a local travel agent. Full information on all destinations and the airline carriers available to book for each destination is shown on the City of Derry Airport website: www.cityofderryairport.com/destinations/international-connections.”

Brenda Morgan MBE, Head of Business Development at City of Derry Airport, added: “With reduced journey time to the Airport, savings on parking (you can park for a week from just £34.58), and less than 15 minutes from the Carpark to the Departure Gate, we can assure our passengers of a fast, friendly and convenient start to their trip! Our Airport team also offer amazing support for passengers with reduced mobility and pre-visits are available for anyone with hidden disabilities, or anyone who may be nervous in advance of travel. At City of Derry Airport, we pride ourselves on doing everything we can to ensure our passengers’ travel experience is as stress-free as possible.”

Anna Doherty, Chief Executive at Derry Chamber of Commerce, said: “It is great news to see that international passenger numbers have tripled at City of Derry Airport in the space of a year. Such significant increases in the number of people passing through our airport and city are a testament to the work the Airport has done in getting people into the Northwest through its offering of both new services and international single-ticket fares.

“A major aim for growth in Derry and the Northwest is that the region becomes a hub for both corporate travel and corporate tourism. The statistics released today, specifically those of the connecting cities, show that City of Derry Airport is playing a crucial role in attracting that corporate traffic to the region. We look forward to the Airport further increasing these figures again, as we are sure they will, and the associated increase of footfall in the region this growth will bring with it.”

Top 10 Connecting Cities:
1. Dubai
2. Doha
3. Abu Dhabi
4. Amsterdam
5. Berlin
6. Geneva
7. Istanbul
8. Copenhagen
9. Delhi
10. Paris
Top Connecting Airlines:
1. British Airways
2. Emirates
3. Etihad Airways
4. Qatar Airways
5. KLM

Additional international airlines available to book single-ticket fares with:
– Air France
– Cathay Pacific
– Ethiopian Airlines
– Finnair
– Icelandair
– Singapore Airlines
– Turkish Airlines
– United Airlines

For more information on international travel from City of Derry Airport, click here.

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Successful completion of North West Greenway Network celebrated

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A NEW EU-funded cross-border greenway connecting people and communities across the North West was officially opened on 12th September..

The €34m North West Greenway Network was supported by the European Union’s INTERREG VA Programme, managed by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB), and delivered by Derry City and Strabane District Council (DCSDC) in partnership with the Department for Infrastructure (DfI), Donegal County Council (DCC) and Sustrans NI.

Further funding was also provided by both Councils, Transport Infrastructure Ireland, the Department for Infrastructure, and the Department for Communities in Northern Ireland.

The overall project has successfully delivered a network of 46.5km of greenway infrastructure, walking and cycling routes, linking communities spanning the North West border area.

The two new routes link Strathfoyle to Quigleys Point via Muff, and Culmore and Castlefinn to Strabane via Lifford. The network has already attracted thousands of local users, providing an environmentally friendly travel option for commuters as well as facilitating active travel, physical activity and encouraging sustainable transport and decarbonisation. The new routes also provide improved safety for walkers, runners and cyclists.

Speaking at today’s celebration event, which was attended by project partners and representatives from both sides of the border, Minister for Infrastructure, John O’Dowd said: “This project is a shining example of partnership and cross border work and I am delighted that my Department was able to provide funding towards it. The Greenway is already producing tangible benefits in the North West by linking communities and encouraging more people to consider the option of active travel as an alternative to the private car for short journeys. This is a modal shift I want to see continue. Active travel has the potential to increase physical activity and improve mental wellbeing. It can also help to tackle air pollution and, along with public transport, will help to decarbonise our transport system.”

Minister of State at the Department of Transport, James Lawless, said: “The opening of the North West Greenway Network represents an exciting development for the North West Region. This cross-border Greenway project has received significant financial support through the INTERREG VA programme with the Department of Transport providing approximately €3 million in 2024 to support this project. This project is an exemplar initiative of cross-border collaboration, with Donegal County Council and Derry City and Strabane District Council working together to realise 46.5km of segregated cycle lanes.

This project has resulted in two separate Greenway routes connecting Derry to County Donegal. These routes will encourage greater levels of cycling and walking, rather than private car use, among leisure users, tourists, and commuters. In addition, this project will help to ensure coherent cycling infrastructure for individuals travelling between the two jurisdictions. This investment by the Department of Transport to date signals the Government’s commitment to providing high-quality cycle infrastructure that will generate many benefits for cyclists and communities across Ireland”.

Gina McIntyre, SEUPB Chief Executive, said: “The official opening of the North West Greenway Network marks a transformative step towards a more connected, sustainable future for the region. This project not only strengthens cross-border cooperation but also promotes cleaner and greener travel, healthier lifestyles and enhances environmental stewardship.

“This project exemplifies the commitment of SEUPB and our partners to building a shared, sustainable future for all communities in Northern Ireland and the border counties.

“I would like to congratulate all those involved in the management, design and build, who have produced this amazing new North West Greenway, an ambitious concept carried through in outstanding delivery.”

Deputy Mayor of Derry and Strabane District Council, Alderman Darren Guy, said: “I am delighted to join with project partners and funders today to mark the successful completion of the North West Greenway.

“We are already seeing the benefits of the new routes which have opened up new areas to both pedestrians and cyclists and brought our cross-border communities closer together. Here in the North West we are blessed with beautiful green spaces and the network makes these areas more accessible, connecting both urban and rural areas so they can be reached within minutes.

“This is now a practical travel route for commuters, as well as a popular pathway for fitness and leisure. I want to acknowledge the hard work and commitment of our team in delivering this major strategic project, and also the support of all our partners in recognising and supporting the vision we had for the North West area.”

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A cross-border location like no other

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A Unique cross-border location.

There’s no place like home. And there’s no location quite like Derry and Strabane, a unique cross-border region offering an ideal combination of city, coast and countryside.

Whether you’re returning home, or relocating here for the first time, a move to the North West can bring rewarding work opportunities and a life rich in culture, community and breathtaking scenery. The investment proposition here is equally as enticing, with the UK, Ireland and EU markets on your doorstep, and robust local and national support.

A cross-border hub

As the only cross-border city on the island, Derry has access to multiple markets, a highly skilled young workforce which is culturally literate in operating across two jurisdictions, and investment support available on both sides of the border.

Whether you’re relocating to the North West to grow your business here, work remotely, or join one of our leading local employers, you’ll find excellent superfast broadband availability across the region. We enjoy a 67-millisecond connection with the East Coast of the USA – among the fastest in Europe. As well as 97% superfast broadband coverage to facilitate remote working.

Work opportunities

You might be returning from university seeking a fulfilling graduate role. Maybe you’ve racked up years of experience, and are ready to take the next step in your corporate journey. Or perhaps you want to move back to the North West with your family, to enjoy our fantastic quality of life without compromising on career goals.

Whatever stage you’re at in your career, you’ll find job opportunities in a wide range of sectors here in Derry and Strabane – from award-winning local financial services and engineering firms, to innovative tech and life sciences companies, and major multinational brands.

Support for investors

If you’re looking to grow your business in the North West, Derry City and Strabane District Council can offer investment support, trade missions and connections with the City of London Corporation and international partners to assist and promote your venture.

Organisations such as Intertrade Ireland can help your business explore cross-border markets, while on a national level, Invest NI and IDA Ireland are also there to assist your venture.

The right balance

Quality of life here in the North West is one of the things we value most. It’s why a Sunday Times survey named “cool, credible and cheap” Derry as the best place to live in Northern Ireland.

Derry is a vibrant city – the fourth largest in Ireland – with a young population, a great primary, secondary and third level education system, and famously friendly people (we were ranked number one for community spirit in an NI poll). And of course, our award-winning restaurants and bars are ‘LegenDerry’.

A gateway for exploring

Derry and Strabane are also brilliantly located for enjoying the best the North West has to offer on both sides of the border, nestled where the Wild Atlantic Way meets the Causeway Coastal Route.

Fancy a sunset stroll after work, or a weekend adventure? You can reach a stunning Donegal beach within 20 minutes’ drive of Derry, and even head up to the North Coast for a surf. Or, in less than half an hour’s drive from Strabane town centre, you can be hiking through the breathtaking Sperrin Mountains.

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City of Derry Airport Birmingham Bound with Ryanair NEW Service Launching April 2024!

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After a hugely successful year at City of Derry Airport in 2023, the Airport is starting 2024 on a high following Ryanair’s announcement that the airline will be operating a new year round service from the Gateway of the Northwest to Birmingham twice weekly from April 2024.

Steve Frazer, Managing Director at City of Derry Airport, expressed his delight on the new Birmingham service: “We are thrilled to expand our route map with Ryanair and provide a much-needed service for our local catchment area across Derry City and Strabane, the Causeway Coast and Glens, Donegal and beyond.

“A direct connection to Birmingham has been in demand for a number of years, particularly for those commuting to work, study or visit family and friends, and we are delighted that Ryanair will be taking to the skies to provide this.”

Mr. Frazer added: “As part of our long-term commitment to support and develop the Northwest economy and tourism sector, we hope this new service will help bring new inbound investment opportunities and a new tourism market from the UK midlands area into the Walled City and surrounding areas.”

This news follows the launch of new international connectivity to 119 destinations across 56 countries from City of Derry Airport via London Heathrow, with increased frequency from January 2024, the release of Travel Solutions summer holidays to Faro and Palma for 2024, the take-off of Joe Walsh Tours summer pilgrimages to Lourdes, and a sold-out Topflight school ski programme to Verona which is taking to the skies for the first time this month, marking a new era for the Airport.

The new Ryanair service between City of Derry Airport and Birmingham will commence from April 2024, and flights are available to book now via the Ryanair website.

Visit www.ryanair.com for more information.

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New LHR route from CODA

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City of Derry Airport now serves the Northwest region with first service in history between City of Derry and London Heathrow Airport. The new service operated by Loganair, is now available three times per day. This not only provides frequent air access to one of the world’s leading transport hubs, but also offers a fast and convenient gateway for international outbound travel and inbound tourism opportunities via the Northwest.

Steve Frazer, Managing Director at City of Derry Airport commented, “The take off of Loganair’s new service between City of Derry Airport and London Heathrow Airport is a significant milestone for us. Gaining international hub access is a substantial step in the economic and strategic growth of the region and our vision for the future of the Airport.

“In terms of outbound travel, London Heathrow truly opens a ‘Gateway to the World’, as passengers are now able to book single ticket connections to and from City of

Derry Airport via London Heathrow to 119 destinations across 56 countries.

“Destinations across Europe, Middle East, North and South America, Africa, Asia and Australasia will all soon be available from City of Derry Airport through Loganair’s partner airlines such as British Airways, Emirates, Etihad, Qatar Airways, Turkish Airlines, KLM / Air France, Virgin, Singapore Airlines and Finnair, with several more to follow, all from the convenience of your local Airport.”

Mr. Frazer continued: “We look forward to welcoming the world to the Northwest and connecting our people across the globe, with our own world class welcome and customer service experience.”

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Businesses Surge ahead with £1m digital programme

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North West firms can now boost their digital capabilities by signing up for a £1million support initiative.

The Digital Surge programme introduces small and medium-sized local businesses to a range of digital tools through workshops, mentoring, masterclasses and network cluster events.

Derry City and Strabane District Council’s head of business, Kevin O’Connor, said the NI-wide programme would complement the range of support initiatives already being offered by the Council.

He added: “The Surge Programme equips businesses with the knowledge to harness the potential of the most innovative digital tools, which have the capacity to catalyse their growth and development.

“I would really encourage local businesses to check out the range of areas being explored, from Big-Data to Machine Learning, and how they can effectively use these exciting new technologies to fast track their way to success.”

Businesses completing the programme will come away with an Innovation Roadmap and Digital Acceleration Plan and will be onward routed to more intensive supports in the ‘digital innovation ecosystem’.

Find out more about the Surge Programme here.

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Lift-off for new Edinburgh flight

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Passengers can now fly direct from City of Derry Airport to Edinburgh, on a new service launched by Loganair.

The 55-minute direct flight will run three days a week (Tuesday, Friday and Sunday), with additional Thursday and Saturday flights during the peak summer months.

Among the guests on the inaugural flight in May was Aidan O’Kane, president of Londonderry Chamber of Commerce.

He said: “From tourism to trade, this new route will be a huge boost to the North West economy, strengthening our regional links across the Irish Sea.

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Work begins on transformative Atlantic Hub Data Centre

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In June 2020, Derry City and Strabane District Council granted planning permission for the major international data centre developer, Atlantic Hub, to locate the centre at the Foyle Port Innovation Park. Work began this month on the development which will host computer data and services equipment for large tech companies, catering to the growing global tech sector and generating up to 100 jobs.

The campus at Foyle Port will have the capacity for up to 500,000 sq ft of technical floorspace, one of the largest ever infrastructure developments in the North West. It will offer world class services to large corporates and hyperscale data centre operators, utilising the EXA (Kelvin), transatlantic fibre-optic submarine cable, providing excellent connectivity to North America and Europe.

“After a significant period of preparation, we are delighted to begin construction of our flagship development project”, said Brian Doherty, Managing Director at Atlantic Hub. “We consider the North West to be an excellent location for our data centre development, and our investment in the region reflects the fantastic economic opportunities on offer here. With unique access to the UK and EU markets, this development is set to attract some of the largest global companies and investors to our shores in the coming years.”

With a ‘twin’ site in Letterkenny also being considered as part of the same cross border campus, this development forms part of transformative work from across the North West to boost our offering to foreign investors. The strategic location provides connectivity to local energy supplies generated from 100% certified renewable sources.

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City of Derry Airport Buzzing for Ryanair’s Take Off to Manchester!

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City of Derry Airport welcomed Ryanair back to the North West on Wednesday 1st December, for the inaugural service to Manchester Airport. The Mayor of Derry City & Strabane District Council, Alderman Graham Warke, President of Londonderry Chamber of Commerce, Mrs Dawn McLaughlin, Head of Regions at Tourism NI, Mr Ciaran Doherty, and Head of Functions at Ryanair, Mr Frazer McKinstry, joined the celebrations at the airport where the inaugural passengers were treated to a fun-filled afternoon of Manchester themed refreshments, giveaways and live musical entertainment to mark the special occasion!

Mr Steve Frazer, Managing Director at City of Derry Airport, expressed his delight: “We are thrilled to have Ryanair back in the North West and providing such an important service for the local catchment area. A Manchester flight has been in demand for some time and we are proud to now provide this vital connectivity for corporate passengers and students who commute regularly and reuniting family and friends. Not to mention the offering of convenient leisure breaks to this action-packed destination; from football, shopping, nightlife, culture, history to family fun – Manchester has something to offer for everyone!

“Ryanair’s budget-friendly fares for services between City of Derry Airport and Manchester start from just £11.99pp one way and flights are available three days per week – Wednesday, Friday and Sunday – which is ideal for short weekend breaks and corporate travellers and students commuting for the week. Flights are available to book via the City of Derry Airport website: www.cityofderryairport.com.”

Karen Smart, Managing Director of Manchester Airport, said: “It’s great to see Ryanair flights to Derry/Londonderry launch from Manchester Airport.

 “The route will offer our passengers here in the North of England a great opportunity to visit a different part of Northern Ireland. For inbound passengers, as well as exploring what the North of England has to offer, the route will allow people easy access to our long-haul network out of Manchester.”

Mayor of Derry City & Strabane District Council, Alderman Graham Warke, added, “I am delighted that Ryanair aircraft has made a welcome return to the runway of City of Derry Airport to offer affordable and convenient connectivity to Manchester.

The inaugural Ryanair flight from City of Derry Airport to Manchester received a VIP send-off as Derry City and Strabane District Council Mayor, Alderman Graham Warke and Dawn McLaughlin, President of Londonderry Chamber of Commerce with Brenda Morgan MBE, Head of Business Development at City of Derry Airport, Ciaran Doherty, Tourism NI, Chris Morgan, the Manchester Bee, Frazer McKinstry, Regional Manager, Ryanair and Steve Frazer, Managing Director. Picture Martin McKeown. 01.12.21

“It fortifies the link between our region and Manchester where many local people do business and have friends and family living there.

“There is lots to see and do in Manchester if you are planning a city break and we can promise visitors from England the experience of a lifetime if they are travelling to the North West for business or recreation.”

For more information on the new Ryanair service from City of Derry Airport to Manchester, visit www.cityofderryairport.com.

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Zero carbon buses herald ‘cleaner, greener era’

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Derry will become one of the first cities in the UK and Ireland to have a fully zero-emission bus fleet after funding of £30million was announced for greener public transport.

The Foyle Metro network is set to receive 38 zero-emission battery electric buses, which will all go into passenger service in 2023, Infrastructure Minister Nichola Mallon has announced.

The minister revealed the plans during a virtual address to the United Nations COP26 Global Climate Conference in Glasgow last month at an event hosted by Translink.

She said: “I am committed to building a better future where we make zero/low emission public transport accessible to communities across the North.” Minster Mallon added that the new buses would “herald a new cleaner and greener era in transport for the city and will make a positive impact on the climate emergency and help enhance air quality”.

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