Loganair to operate the London Stansted route from the City of Derry airport

By PA reporter

Scottish airline Loganair is to take over the London Stansted route from City of Derry Airport following the collapse of flybmi.

Derry City and Strabane District Council, the owner of City of Derry Airport, confirmed the decision, five days after flybmi went into administration.

The service is supported by Government funding through a public service obligation (PSO).

The subsidy, which has been in place since 2017, was the first of its kind in Northern Ireland.

Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council Cllr John Boyle said Loganair's appointment was a "very positive outcome" for the airport.

"Securing a replacement operator for this important route within such a short period of time is testament to the commitment of council, the airport and the Department for Transport to ensure there is air connectivity between Derry and London," he said.

"This was a very complex process that has now been successfully completed and we are very pleased to be in a position to appoint Loganair to operate this significantly important route."

Transport Secretary Chris Grayling said: "It is a testament to the hard work of Derry and Strabane Council, the City of Derry Airport and my department that we have been able to secure a replacement airline so quickly.

"This route is vital because it strengthens the Union, protects choice and boosts trade and travel opportunities - enabling business trips to and from Derry-Londonderry within a day."

Jonathan Hinkles, Loganair's managing director, said: "We're extremely pleased to be selected to operate the essential Derry to Stansted air service following completion of a competitive tender process.

"I know the news about flybmi created great uncertainty, so we're focused on recommencing operations as quickly as possible."