Flights from City of Derry Airport to London will switch from Stansted to Heathrow next month, it has been announced.
This comes just weeks after the future of the air link from Derry to London was confirmed until March next year thanks to government funding.
The regional airline Loganair say switching the connection to Heathrow, rather than Stansted, will "offer improved access to central London".
Read more: Derry to London flights 'secured' for another year thanks to government subsidy
It was announced at the end of March that the UK government would continue funding the Derry-London route as a 'public service obligation' until at least March 2024, with Loganair continuing to operate the flights.
The planned switch to Heathrow Terminal Two was announced by a spokesperson for Loganair on Monday.
The move, which is subject to government approval, is due to take effect from May 6.
"This will offer improved access to central London – where the new Elizabeth Line now connects the nation’s premier airport to key City destinations, offering faster and cheaper journeys than before," the spokesperson said.
"Just as importantly, the move to London Heathrow opens up a tremendous range of new connections from City of Derry – firmly establishing Derry’s place on the worldwide map of air routes. Customers will be able to book single-ticket, assured connections to and from City of Derry via London Heathrow to 119 destinations in 56 countries."
Loganair Chief Executive Jonathan Hinkles. “Alongside improved ground transport links into central London, the new range of global flight connections will bring new inward investment opportunities and tourism into the region, together with enabling travellers from the Derry City region to use their local airport to fly worldwide for the first time.”
“We’re delighted to be able to bring these new opportunities to our customers. I’d like to extend my sincere thanks to the teams at City of Derry Airport and to Derry City & Strabane District Council, who have enthusiastically supported and encouraged this move since the possibility first arose,” he said.
Steve Frazer, Managing Director at City of Derry Airport said: “This proposed switch to London Heathrow from City of Derry Airport is an exciting time for the airport. Not only will this provide direct connectivity to London’s premier airport, it also creates a ‘Gateway to the World’ via one of the world’s best international hubs.
“This will be a significant step for economic and strategic growth across the Northwest, all from your convenient local airport.”
Heathrow Chief Commercial Officer Ross Baker said: “Welcoming further Loganair services to Heathrow is exciting, with UK passengers and businesses set to benefit from hundreds of onward connections around the world. Our domestic charging discounts will continue to support further growth in our domestic network – which is vital to strengthen our role as the UK’s hub airport, helping to level-up investment across the country, while connecting more people and businesses to global growth.”
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