Loganair flights from Derry to London have been "secured" until 2024 thanks to government funding, the Department for Transport at Westminster has announced.
The route, which has been up-and-running since 2017, operates twice per day from City of Derry Airport to London Stansted.
The UK Government has funded the air route since 2017 and on Thursday the Aviation Minister, Baroness Vere, announced the Department for Transport will continue subsidising the route - alongside the Department for the Economy at Stormont.
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Both government departments will provide £1.1 million in 2023/24 to maintain the connection.
A UK government spokesperson said: Today’s announcement will secure the future of the route for another year until March 31st 2024 and enable up to 19 return flights every week.
The Aviation Minister added: “Thousands of people and businesses depend on this crucial travel link, which is why we remain committed to securing the route.
Baroness Vere said: “Our funding will maintain this vital connection between Derry/Londonderry and London, with 19 services operating every week for at least another year, supporting jobs, and providing a boost to Northern Ireland’s economy.”
The government said funding has been secured using what is known as a 'Public Service Obligation', with Loganair once again being selected to operate the route.
The funding of £1.1million from the NI Department for the Economy is a ringfenced allocation from the Northern Ireland Office specifically for this City of Derry Airport PSO and which cannot be used in any other DfE policy area.
Mayor of Derry Strabane, Councillor Sandra Duffy, said: “This is extremely positive news and I am pleased to see this further commitment to promoting regional connectivity which will be widely welcomed, particularly by the local business community."
She continued: “Regular, reliable services to London are critical to the North West economy in terms of both business and leisure, and a key component of our strategic plans to make this region more appealing and accessible for international investors.”
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