EasyJet has confirmed it will launch operations from City of Derry Airport for the first time.
The budget carrier, which first entered the Northern Ireland market in 1998, will begin flying from the north-west airport in the winter.
Following a period of speculation, EasyJet confirmed that flights to Liverpool and Edinburgh will begin in November.
Both routes will involve two flights per week from November 4.
Ryanair previously operated flights to Liverpool and Edinburgh from City of Derry Airport until 2020.
Scottish carrier Loganair subsequently covered both routes until last year.
Ryanair continues to operate flights to Birmingham from the north west airport, while Loganair runs flights to Glasgow and operates the publicly funded London Heathrow service.
City of Derry Airport boss Steve Frazer said: “It is an incredible day for the City of Derry Airport team and a day that should be celebrated for the entire north west region.
“EasyJet brings an undeniable level of brand credibility, customer confidence, not to mention great value fares for travellers across our catchment area.
“The launch of EasyJet services will be a key economic driver for business investment in the Northwest and inbound travel and tourism, and we are proud to be able to help grow and develop these sectors in our local area.”
It’s understood EasyJet’s Edinburgh service will see flights depart from City of Derry Airport at 10.20am on a Monday and 4.45pm on Fridays from November 4.
Flights in the other direction are scheduled to depart Edinburgh at 9am on Mondays and 3.25pm on Fridays
The Liverpool flights are pencilled in for 11.10am departure from Derry on Mondays and 3.30pm from the north west on Fridays.
It’s believed the EasyJet service from Liverpool to City of Derry will depart John Lennon Airport at 9.35am on Mondays and 1.55pm on Fridays.
EasyJet, which is the north’s biggest airline, has continued to expand its presence in the Northern Ireland market over the past year.
The carrier introduced a ninth aircraft to its hub at Belfast International Airport last month.
The airline has also steadily increased its presence at Belfast City Airport since 2021.
“We are delighted to be announcing the launch of operations from City of Derry Airport for the first time, with new routes to Edinburgh and Liverpool taking off this winter,” said EasyJet’s UK country manager, Ali Gayward.
“We are proud to be the largest airline in Northern Ireland and by expanding our network we are providing our customers in Northern Ireland even greater choice and UK connectivity, all with great value fares and friendly service, and we look forward to welcoming them on board.”
