Ruth Haines
City of Derry Airport, previously known as RAF Eglinton and Londonderry Eglinton Airport, is located 7 miles northeast of Derry, Northern Ireland. The airport is situated on the south bank of Lough Foyle, close to the village of Eglinton and 8 miles from Derry's city centre. It is a small airport with a limited number of facilities, but it has a long stay car park less than a minute's walk from the terminal. The airport has experienced a decline in passenger numbers in recent years, with several airlines discontinuing services to various destinations. However, it still provides flights to several UK cities and beyond, partnering with airlines such as Loganair, easyJet, Ryanair, and Travel Solutions.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name | City of Derry Airport |
| Airport Code | LDY |
| Location | 7 miles (11 km) northeast of Derry, Northern Ireland |
| Address | Airport Road, Eglinton |
| Previous Names | RAF Eglinton, Londonderry Eglinton Airport |
| Owner | Derry City Council |
| Airlines | Loganair, easyJet, Ryanair, Travel Solutions, Emerald Airways, Volotea |
| Destinations | London Heathrow, Glasgow, Edinburgh, Liverpool, Manchester, Birmingham, Lourdes, Verona, Alicante, Lanzarote, Dublin |
| Nearby Attractions | Causeway Coastal Route, Giant's Causeway, County Donegal, Wild Atlantic Way |
| Facilities | Long-stay car park, bus service to the city centre |
| Runway Length | Unknown; underwent a £19 million upgrade in 2008 |
| Passenger Numbers | 179,095 in 2024 (peak of 438,996 in 2008) |
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What You'll Learn
- The airport is located 7 miles northeast of Derry, Northern Ireland
- It is also known as Londonderry Eglinton Airport
- Airlines serving the airport include Ryanair, easyJet, and Loganair
- The airport has experienced a decline in passenger numbers in recent years
- It is close to World Heritage sites like the Giant's Causeway
The airport is located 7 miles northeast of Derry, Northern Ireland
The City of Derry Airport is located 7 miles northeast of Derry, Northern Ireland. Previously known as RAF Eglinton and Londonderry Eglinton Airport, it is situated on the south bank of Lough Foyle, a short distance from the village of Eglinton. The airport is easily accessible from the main A2 road and serves as the main gateway to the North West of Ireland.
The airport has a rich history, dating back to its establishment as an air base for the Royal Air Force during the Second World War. Over the years, it has undergone various developments, including the construction of a new terminal building and control tower in the 1960s and a £19 million runway upgrade in 2008. Despite a recent decline in passenger numbers, the airport continues to be a base for several airlines, including Loganair, Ryanair, easyJet, and Volotea.
City of Derry Airport provides flights to several destinations across the UK and beyond. Passengers can fly direct to cities such as London Heathrow, Manchester, Glasgow, Liverpool, Edinburgh, and Birmingham. The airport also offers international routes, including Alicante and Birmingham, operated by Ryanair.
In addition to its commercial activities, the airport is surrounded by breathtaking attractions. It is located just a short drive from renowned World Heritage Sites such as the Causeway Coastal Route and the Giant's Causeway. County Donegal, known for its outstanding natural beauty and the starting point of the Wild Atlantic Way touring route, is also within close proximity to the airport.
Conveniently located and offering stunning sights in the surrounding area, the City of Derry Airport serves as an ideal gateway to the North West of Ireland for travellers seeking both urban and natural experiences.
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It is also known as Londonderry Eglinton Airport
City of Derry Airport is a regional airport located 7 miles (11 km) northeast of Derry, Northern Ireland. It is situated on the south bank of Lough Foyle, a short distance from the village of Eglinton and 8 miles (13 km) from the city centre of Derry. The airport has its roots in the Second World War, when it was established as the Royal Air Force (RAF) Eglinton air base in 1941. It was originally known as Londonderry Eglinton Airport, reflecting its proximity to the city of Londonderry (also known as Derry).
Over the years, the airport has undergone several name changes and has also been referred to as RAF Eglinton and simply Eglinton. In 1978, the Londonderry City Council decided to purchase the airfield with the aim of enhancing the transport network in the northwest of Ireland. This marked a period of development for the airport, with the introduction of private short-haul charters to destinations within the British Isles.
The name of the airport was officially changed from Londonderry Eglinton to the City of Derry Airport by the Derry City Council, reflecting nationalist sentiments within the newly renamed council. Despite this official change, as recently as 2014, some publications still referred to the airport as Londonderry/Eglinton. This dual naming convention is a result of the complex history and politics surrounding the naming of the city, which is officially recognised as Derry but is also known as Londonderry.
Today, the airport continues to provide flights to various destinations across the UK and beyond. It is currently a base for the Scottish regional airline Loganair and other airlines serving the airport include Ryanair, easyJet, and Volotea. The airport has experienced fluctuations in passenger numbers over the years, with a decline in recent times due to the COVID pandemic and underfunding.
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Airlines serving the airport include Ryanair, easyJet, and Loganair
City of Derry Airport is a small regional airport located 7 miles (11 km) northeast of Derry, Northern Ireland. It is also known as Eglinton Airport, as it is situated near the village of Eglinton. The airport has faced a decline in passenger numbers due to the COVID pandemic and underfunding. Despite this, several airlines serve the airport, providing convenient facilities and services for travellers.
Ryanair, one of Europe's largest low-cost carriers, has had a notable presence at City of Derry Airport. In 2009, the airline established its first international route from the airport to Alicante. Ryanair has since adjusted its routes, discontinuing services to Alicante, Birmingham, and Faro. In 2017, Ryanair ceased its daily service to London Stansted. However, the airline has also reintroduced routes, such as the Birmingham service in 2024. Ryanair has also expanded to other destinations, including Manchester in 2021.
EasyJet, another prominent low-cost airline, has recently entered the market at City of Derry Airport. In November 2024, easyJet commenced flights to Edinburgh and Liverpool, operating twice weekly. In April 2025, the airline further expanded its presence by launching a new route to Birmingham, solidifying its position as the largest airline at the airport by destinations served.
Loganair, a Scottish regional airline, has a significant presence at City of Derry Airport, using it as a base for its operations. Loganair offers domestic flights to various destinations within the UK. The airline has a long history with the airport, having introduced the first scheduled flight between Derry and Glasgow in 1979. While this route was discontinued, Loganair has continued to serve the airport, occasionally adjusting its routes. In 2023, Loganair ceased scheduled flights between Derry and Liverpool. The airline also announced the cessation of flights to Edinburgh from January 2023, opting to increase the frequency of Glasgow flights to daily.
In addition to these primary airlines, other carriers have served City of Derry Airport. Volotea has been mentioned as one of the airlines operating at the airport. Additionally, Emerald Airways operated a service to Glasgow during the 1960s, and the Eglinton Flying Club has been based at the airport since the 1970s.
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The airport has experienced a decline in passenger numbers in recent years
The City of Derry Airport is located on Airport Road, Eglinton, about 7 miles (11 km) northeast of Derry, Northern Ireland. The airport is situated on the south bank of Lough Foyle, close to the village of Eglinton and around 8 miles (13 km) from Derry's city centre.
City of Derry Airport has indeed witnessed a decline in passenger numbers over the last decade. Official figures indicate a significant drop in travellers using the airport. In 2022, the airport saw 163,000 passengers, a sharp decline from previous years. For instance, in 2013, the airport accommodated 384,973 passengers, and the last time passenger numbers surpassed 300,000 was in 2014. The year 2019 saw a further decrease, with only 204,000 passengers, just before the Covid-19 pandemic, which also negatively impacted air travel.
Several factors have contributed to this downward trend. One notable reason is the reduction in services by airlines. Ryanair, for instance, discontinued its routes to Birmingham, a decision made in March 2025, and previously in 2014. Similarly, Ryanair halted its services to Alicante and Faro in 2014 and 2016, respectively, and ended its daily London Stansted service in 2017. Loganair also ceased its scheduled flights between Derry and Liverpool in October 2023. Such cuts in routes have undoubtedly affected passenger numbers.
Additionally, the airport has faced challenges with underfunding. In 2009, Derry City Council appointed a new airport manager, tasked with improving the airport's financial situation and increasing passenger numbers within a short timeframe. This included implementing a £600,000 budget reduction plan, which resulted in a decrease in operational hours, impacting the airport's revenue.
However, there are positive signs for the airport's future. EasyJet's introduction of services to Edinburgh and Liverpool in November 2024 resulted in a 62.8% improvement in passenger numbers for that quarter. This improvement, along with an overall increase in passengers across Northern Ireland's airports, suggests a potential upward trajectory for the City of Derry Airport in the coming years.
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It is close to World Heritage sites like the Giant's Causeway
The City of Derry Airport is located on Airport Road, Eglinton, about 7 miles (11 km) northeast of Derry, Northern Ireland. It is close to World Heritage sites like the Giant's Causeway, a spectacular area of global geological importance.
The Giant's Causeway is a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its distinctive rock formations that span nearly 18 miles (29 km) of coastline. These basalt columns are the result of volcanic eruptions during the early Tertiary period around 50-60 million years ago. The site consists of the Little Causeway, Middle Causeway, and Grand Causeway, with over 40,000 interconnected polygonal basalt columns forming perfect horizontal sections. Visitors can walk on these columns, but it is important to be cautious of the waves crashing over the rocks.
The Giant's Causeway has been a source of fascination for visitors for at least 300 years and is regarded as a symbol of Northern Ireland. It is owned and managed by the National Trust, which ensures the protection and preservation of this natural wonder. The National Trust also offers an award-winning visitor centre, providing information, audio-visual presentations, interactive exhibits, and souvenirs for guests.
The Causeway is also steeped in legend and mythology. According to Irish folklore, the columns are part of a causeway built by the Irish giant Finn McCool, who sought to challenge another giant named Bennandonner living on the Isle of Staffa. The story goes that Finn realised he could not win in a fight, so he disguised himself as a baby, tricking Bennandonner into thinking he was an extraordinarily large and strong giant. As a result, Bennandonner fled back to Scotland, tearing up parts of the causeway in his retreat.
The City of Derry Airport's proximity to the Giant's Causeway and other World Heritage sites makes it a convenient gateway for travellers eager to explore these remarkable destinations.
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Frequently asked questions
The City of Derry Airport is located 7 miles (11 km) northeast of Derry, Northern Ireland. It is situated on Airport Road in the village of Eglinton and is about 8 miles (13 km) from Derry's city centre.
There are a few convenient ways to get to Derry City Centre from the airport. You can take the Aircoach from the airport, which will take you directly to the city centre. Alternatively, you can take a bus or a taxi to get to the city centre quickly and affordably.
Several cities offer direct flights to Derry, including London Heathrow, Manchester, Glasgow, Liverpool, Edinburgh, and Birmingham. These flights land at the City of Derry Airport, providing easy access to the historic Walled City of Derry and the surrounding region.
