City of Derry Airport (LDY/EGAE): The Primary Gateway to Northern Ireland’s Cultural Northwest
City of Derry Airport (LDY/EGAE) is the essential regional airport serving the historic city of Derry/Londonderry and the wider Northwest region, including significant parts of County Donegal in the Republic of Ireland. Strategically located just 7 km (4.3 miles) northeast of the city centre in Eglinton, LDY is a crucial economic catalyst, providing vital air links for business, tourism, and connectivity for a massively underserved catchment area.
The airport maintains a strategic focus on delivering high-frequency, reliable domestic services, often secured through critical Public Service Obligation (PSO) funding to guarantee essential connectivity. As of 2024, the airport handled over 200,000 passengers, demonstrating its enduring importance to regional travel.
Airlines and Up-to-Date Key Destinations (2025/2026)
LDY’s flight network is streamlined and efficient, connecting the Northwest to major economic and cultural hubs across the United Kingdom. The airport’s stability is heavily dependent on its core UK connections.
| Airline | Core Destinations | Seasonal/Recent Additions | Key Focus |
| Loganair | London–Heathrow (LHR), Glasgow (GLA) | N/A | Essential London connectivity (secured via PSO until at least March 2027) |
| easyJet | Birmingham (BHX), Edinburgh (EDI), Liverpool (LPL) | Faro (FAO), Malaga (AGP) | Expansion of UK leisure and business routes |
| Ryanair | Manchester (MAN) | N/A | Key North West England link |
Busiest Routes and Connectivity (2023 Data)
The London Heathrow route remains the most critical link, accounting for the highest passenger traffic:
- London–Heathrow (LHR): 74,523 total passengers (up 59.3% vs. 2022)
- Manchester (MAN): 58,397 total passengers
- Birmingham (BHX): 19,629 total passengers (a new and rapidly growing link)
Future Developments
Efforts are actively underway to re-establish the crucial cross-border air service to Dublin Airport (DUB) under a new PSO agreement, with a potential reintroduction planned for Spring 2026.
Terminal Facilities and Passenger Experience
City of Derry Airport operates a single, compact, and functional terminal building designed for quick processing and passenger comfort, minimizing transit times.
- Free Wi-Fi: Complimentary Wi-Fi access is provided throughout the terminal.
- Refreshments & Retail: The terminal features a café offering light meals and beverages, along with limited retail options for travel essentials.
- The Amelia Earhart Lounge: Available for passengers seeking a quieter, more comfortable pre-flight experience, a nod to the airport’s historical significance (as the site of Earhart’s landing in 1932).
- Accessibility: Comprehensive facilities and assistance services are available for Passengers with Reduced Mobility (PRM).
Transportation and Accessibility
LDY’s proximity to Derry city centre ensures straightforward travel options for arrivals and departures.
- Bus Services: A regular and affordable bus service connects the airport directly to Derry city centre, with a journey time of approximately 15-20 minutes.
- Taxi: A dedicated taxi rank operates just outside the terminal exit. A ride to the city centre is quick, typically costing between £10 and £15.
- Car Rental: Leading international car hire brands, including Avis, Hertz, Dollar, Firefly, and Enterprise, maintain on-site desks, facilitating onward travel to locations like Limavady, Coleraine, and County Donegal.
- Parking: The airport offers convenient and cost-effective short and long-stay parking options adjacent to the terminal.
Regional Impact and Northwest Tourism
City of Derry Airport serves as the essential aerial gateway for tourists looking to explore Northern Ireland’s stunning North Coast and the Wild Atlantic Way in Donegal.
- The Walled City: The airport is the ideal starting point for visiting Derry, famous for being Ireland’s only completely intact historic Walled City.
- Cultural Hub: The region is globally recognized as the setting of the award-winning TV series Derry Girls, driving significant cultural tourism.
- North Coast Access: LDY provides the fastest air access to iconic attractions such as the Giant’s Causeway, the Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge, and the coastal routes of the Causeway Coast.
Contact Information
For direct inquiries regarding flight information, parking, or airport services, you can use the following details:
- Address: Eglinton, Londonderry, BT47 3GY, UNITED KINGDOM
- Phone: +44 28 71810784
- Official Website: www.cityofderryairport.com