Minister for Transport Darragh O’Brien has launched the competitive tender process for a new Public Service Obligation (PSO) air service between City of Derry and Dublin Airports.

This new air service will “further strengthen connectivity between Dublin and the North West” and delivers on a Programme for Government commitment to improve connectivity and contribute to vibrant, inclusive and sustainable communities across the island of Ireland, the Irish government has stated.

Minister O'Brien said: “I am very pleased to announce the launch of the tender process for a new air service between Dublin and City of Derry airports. This demonstrates the Government’s commitment to delivering on our Programme for Government objectives on Building our Shared Island.

“This new air service represents an important step towards improving transport connectivity for communities and businesses to and from Derry City and the wider North West region. The Exchequer-funded service will provide enhanced access to Dublin for business, education and other essential purposes, while also offering onward connectivity through Dublin Airport. Importantly, it also has the potential to support economic development and provide new opportunities for inbound tourism to the North West.”

The Temple Bar area of Dublin. (Brendan McDaid)

placeholder image — The Temple Bar area of Dublin. (Brendan McDaid)

"Through the Shared Island Initiative, the Government is putting a sustained focus on building a shared, reconciled future for all communities on the island. The Dublin-Derry PSO air service will be established as part of this Initiative with a contract period of up to four years, resourced through the Shared Island Fund.”

Steve Frazer, Managing Director at City of Derry Airport, welcomed the development.

“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,” he said.

“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 Program for Government and now into the delivery stages."

Subject to the outcome of the competitive tender process, it is expected that the successful carrier will commence services as soon as operationally feasible and no later than 28 March 2027.