No new destinations from Derry airport for Ryanair

Flights to destinations such as Edinburgh, Stansted and Cardiff and Alicante will fly from Belfast International this summer with many more European destinations available from the capital's airport.

However, eight weekly flights to and from Manchester will run from Derry airport, up from six weekly flights in the previous year, due to the running demand and success of the 2022 flights.

With flights running every Monday, Thursday, Friday and Sunday throughout Summer 2023, Ryanair predicts to carry 87,000 passengers to and from Derry this year and through its Summer 2023 schedule.

Ryanair will support over 65 local jobs in Derry while further driving connectivity and inbound tourism and highlighting Derry as a top tourist destination for Northern UK holidaymakers.

Ryanair’s Head of Communications, Jade Kirwan, said: “Ryanair is pleased to announce our Summer 2023 schedule for Derry with eight weekly flights to/from Manchester – the UK’s ‘Capital of the North’.

"With a flight duration of just one hour, Manchester is the perfect destination for Derry customers looking for a nearby, low fare trip to soak up some culture, nightlife, shopping, football and music in the city or spend some quality time with the family exploring Manchester’s beautiful countryside.

"And for cost conscious families, you can now spread out the cost of your holiday by paying half the fare now and the other half up to 40 days pre-departure when you book Ryanair’s Family Plus bundle, making family holidays more accessible for everyone.

"Ryanair is driving Derry’s economic recovery post-Covid through our delivery of year-round tourism, regional investment and support of 65 local jobs, while also providing the people of Derry with the lowest fares when planning their summer 2023 holidays."

Steve Frazer, Managing Director at City of Derry Airport added: “We are delighted that Ryanair’s service from City of Derry Airport to Manchester has proved to be such a huge success, with consistently high passenger loads and fantastic fares which has resulted in this increase in frequency of the service with an additional weekly departure taking off from April onwards.  

"This demonstrates the importance of this connection for the local catchment area for leisure, business and students who commute regularly.  

"The route is also key for reuniting many in the North West with their family and friends living in Manchester and also has so much to offer for family breaks, couples retreats, and group getaways.  

"Our passengers want to “fly local”, avail of great parking offers and experience a stress-free car park to gate process within 20 mins of arrival with no queues.  That leaves time to relax in the wonderful Amelia Earhart Airport Lounge so I can easily see why Manchester is in such demand."