'The route represents a strategic opportunity': Airline tender opens for new Northern Ireland airport to Dublin air service

The tender process to appoint an airline to operate a new air service between City of Derry Airport and Dublin Airport has officially opened, marking a significant step towards restoring direct air connectivity between the two destinations.

The Department for Transport has invited airlines to submit proposals to operate the route, which is expected to provide a direct link between the north west and the Irish capital, while improving access to international destinations.

The service is also expected to support regional business and tourism, encourage economic activity and strengthen connectivity for passengers across the wider north west.

Steve Frazer, managing director of City of Derry Airport, welcomed the opening of the tender process by Minister for Transport Darragh O’Brien, following years of calls from local travellers for the return of the service.

He said: “The route represents a strategic opportunity to improve regional connectivity, facilitate vital access for business and tourism, support economic growth and promote balanced regional development.

“We are continuing to work in close collaboration with the Department for Transport and look forward to the announcement of the airline operator post the tender process completion and flights going on sale in the near future.

“We’d also like to thank all those involved in carrying forward this commitment from the New Decade, New Approach, through to the Programme for Government and now into the delivery stages.”

The appointment of an airline will be the next major step towards bringing the service into operation, with further details on the operator and flight schedules expected following the completion of the procurement process.

Further information on the tender, including the procurement timetable and submission requirements, is available from the Department for Transport.

The tender details can be found here.