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Derry to Dublin flight 'expected to resume in October'

News imageBBC City Of Derry Airport entrance from the front. A large white building with a number of signs.BBC
A previous service between City of Derry Airport and Dublin was axed in 2011

Flights between Londonderry and Dublin are expected to start in October, the Republic of Ireland's transport minister has said.

An Irish government-funded daily flight between City of Derry Airport and Dublin was withdrawn in 2011 and attempts to revive the service faltered in 2016.

Last year the Irish government said it hoped to reinstate the flight by the end of 2026.

On Thursday, Irish Minister for Transport Darragh O'Brien told the Dáil (Irish Parliament) the current timeline is for the service to resume in October.

"All things being equal, it is expected that, following a two-month tender procedure, a contract will be awarded for the commencement of the service this October," O'Brien said.

News imageSteve Frazer has short brown hair and a goatee. He is wearing a blue jumper and light blue shirt. He is standing in the middle of the City of Derry Airport.
Steve Frazer says the service will connect the north west the 'rest of the world'

Managing director of City of Derry Airport Steve Frazer said connecting the north west to Dublin will not only "significantly enhance our business and tourism opportunities not just on the island" but also connect the "region to the rest of the world".

The route is being funded under a Public Service Obligation (PSO), where a government support flights which would not otherwise be commercially viable.

Currently, the London government provides financial backing for the Derry to London PSO route.