EasyJet announces flights to this UK city for the first time – with connections from Edinburgh and Liverpool

EasyJet will launch its first flights to City of Derry Airport in Northern Ireland from November, with connections from Edinburgh and Liverpool.

Neither route is currently served, and they will improve access to both Derry and the wider North West region of Ireland, including County Donegal in the Republic.

Initially flights will only operate on Mondays and Fridays. The airline says one-way fares start at £18, although The Independent So far I haven’t been able to check prices on the easyJet website.

Ali Gayward, easyJet’s UK Country Manager, said: “We are proud to be Northern Ireland’s largest airline and by expanding our network we are offering our customers in Northern Ireland even more choice and connectivity to the UK.”

Steve Frazer, managing director of City of Derry Airport, said: “EasyJet brings an undeniable level of brand credibility and customer trust, not to mention great value fares for travellers in our catchment area.”

Many passengers have complained about the high fares on Loganair’s small aircraft, which currently serve London Heathrow and Glasgow.

Ryanair also flies from Manchester and Birmingham. The Irish airline dropped its London Stansted to Derry route many years ago.

Brenda Morgan, the airport’s head of business development, said: “Services to Edinburgh and Liverpool have been sought after by corporate and leisure travellers in the North West.”

The airline’s schedule analyst Sean Moulton said: “Edinburgh and Liverpool are two of the most popular routes from Derry.

“Ryanair operated these flights before Covid, and Loganair operated both until 2023.

“EasyJet will be the third scheduled airline and Derry will now have links to six destinations across Great Britain. This enhanced connectivity will bring families and friends closer together, and could also boost investment and growth in the north-west of Northern Ireland.”

The routes will operate year-round. Airport bosses hope to see frequencies increase from two a week – with possible expansion to easyJet’s biggest base, London Gatwick.

Domestic flights cover 161 miles from the Scottish capital and 211 miles from Merseyside Airport.

EasyJet already serves Belfast International Airport (74 km away) and George Best Belfast City (95 km away).