Plans to begin the first ever flights from City of Derry Airport to Heathrow next month have been given the go-ahead by the UK government, it has been confirmed.
Flights from the regional airport to London will now switch from Stansted to Heathrow - a move which has been warmly welcomed in Derry.
Regional airline Loganair announced the plans earlier this week and, on Friday, the UK Department for Transport gave the proposals the necessary approval.
Read more: First ever Derry flights to Heathrow due to begin next month
The move is now due to take effect from May 6.
Approval was also granted for a similar switch for flights from Dundee to London.
Aviation Minister Baroness Vere said: “Our funding continues to sustain these vital transport links, support local jobs, and provide passengers with more options whilst travelling between London, Scotland, and Northern Ireland.
“By approving the move to Heathrow, we’re boosting local economies in Derry/Londonderry and Dundee, and passengers will enjoy more onward connections.”
The switch from Stansted to Heathrow means passengers should soon be able to book flights transferring to a wide range of international destinations.
Foyle MLAs Padraig Delargy and Gary Middleton, from Sinn Fein and the DUP respectively, welcomed the news.
Sinn Fein MLA Mr Delargy said: "This is an exciting opportunity that will open up connections from the north west to the US and other major destinations across the world.
“We need to continue strengthening connections to City of Derry airport to boost the local economy and ensure there is a direct link to the north west for international investors."
DUP MLA Mr Middleton said: "“The connectivity provided by our local Airport is crucial to the North West region, and particularly our links with the rest of the UK. Whilst Stansted provided an important link to London, direct flights to Heathrow can realise much greater potential with connections worldwide."
The flights are operated by regional airliner Loganair.
On the confirmation of government approval for the switch, Loganair chief executive Jonathan Hinkles said: “This is a milestone moment for Loganair and indeed for regional connectivity. With approval from the Department for Transport and opening of worldwide connections for booking with British Airways, we’re now all set for this move to Heathrow. It will be revolutionary for connectivity for Derry.”
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