The confirmation that Ryanair is axing its flights from London to Derry in April next year – has been met with dismay by some of the Donegal diaspora based in England’s capital city.
Management at City of Derry Airport officially confirmed the news yesterday evening following weeks of speculation.
Ryanair spoke about their fears the impact Brexit would have on their company immediately after the vote, and management have now made the decision to axe the service next year, while they also confirmed they will be scaling back their flights to Liverpool.
It’s a devastating blow for City of Derry Airport, and for passengers who use the service regularly.
A huge number of Donegal diaspora working and living in London regularly use the brilliant service – with some even travelling home every weekend.
One Donegal Daily reader based in London, who wishes to remain anonymous, told us of the negative impact the decision will have on his family situation.
He said, “It’s a devastating blow, I was forced to emigrate, but my young family remained back here in Donegal.
“I’m in the construction industry, but I had to move away three years ago to get work, but I used to fly home first thing on a Saturday morning, and return first thing Monday – and it was a good system.
“I was based in Cork before I lost my job, so it would take me longer to get home than it does from London, I’m only half an hour away from the airport, and then when I land in Derry I’m only forty minutes away from my family home.
“The flights were cheap and I’d book them in bulk, but now this will force me to re-evaluate the situation.
“I know there’s flights to Belfast but the schedule is completely different and it’s a nightmare now that this service has been disbanded.”
Roy Devine, Chairman of City of Derry Operations Ltd, stated: “This reduced Ryanair programme for summer 2017 is clearly disappointing news for the airport and for all those wishing to travel with Ryanair from CoDA (City of Derry Airport) to London Stanstead or to Faro from April 2017 onwards.”
