The aviation minister Baroness Vere has announced a £1.1 million government subsidy for the “vital” air route between City of Derry and Stansted airports.
The Public Service Obligation funding from the UK Department for Transport and the Department for the Economy means the route has been secured until March 2024.
The UK government has funded the air route since 2017, to boost connections between Northern Ireland and England and support thousands of jobs.
The £1.1 million subsidy will enable up to 19 return flights every week, with Loganair once again being selected to operate the route, with reports suggesting flights could be switched to Heathrow.
The minister said: “Thousands of people and businesses depend on this crucial travel link, which is why we remain committed to securing the route.
“Our funding will maintain this vital connection between Derry/Londonderry and London, with 19 services operating every week for at least another year, supporting jobs, and providing a boost to Northern Ireland’s economy.”
Councillor Sandra Duffy, mayor of Derry City and Strabane District, said: “This is extremely positive news and I am pleased to see this further commitment to promoting regional connectivity which will be widely welcomed, particularly by the local business community.
“Regular, reliable services to London are critical to the northwest economy in terms of both business and leisure, and a key component of our strategic plans to make this region more appealing and accessible for international investors.”
From April 1, a new domestic band will apply to flights between airports in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, cutting Air Passenger Duty by 50% to bolster UK connectivity and ensure passengers have access to more affordable flights.
Pictured: Derry-Londonderry’s famous Peace Bridge. Picture by Francesco Scatena/Shutterstock
More: Government confirms £4.3m Derry-Stansted route support [March 2021]