1. What do you feel is the greatest attraction of flying from City of Derry Airport (CODA)?

Using our airport is stress free; it’s not a source of anxiety like many airports have become. From your car to the bar in less than 15 minutes, enjoying the beautiful views of Donegal in a stress-free environment. An airport experience should be a great way to start and end your trip; not something you’re dreading and adding extra hours in your day.

2. How many destinations are available this summer?

This summer we will see our London service increase to three times daily, Liverpool and Glasgow are aiming for daily services, while Manchester will remain at four-weekly return services. A weekly Palma will return for the summer season, and we remain optimistic that the much sought-after Dublin route will be re-established, while some additional seasonal destinations are still under discussion.

3. What is the biggest challenge currently facing CODA?

Funding. As a loss-making regional airport, we’re here to connect the whole northwest of Ireland and support economic growth. The biggest challenge is to secure government funding to ensure we can continue to grow and serve our region, within a backdrop of serving two legislative areas and previous tendencies for capital-city-centric infrastructure investment, leaving the island lopsided.

4. What is the one thing you can’t fly without?

The good pub guide for the city in question. I always like to research who claims to serve the best pint of Guinness and then do a bit of hands-on research when I’m there.

5. What more could the government do to support regional airports like CODA?

For the Irish Government, two asks:

  • First, recognise the value of reinstating the Dublin-Derry PSO (public service obligation) route. We have had positive engagement at the highest levels of government, currently pending a further discussion with the new aviation minister.
  • Reconsider how CODA can be included in the Regional Airports Programme for security, safety and sustainability costs, at least in part to recognise the percentage contribution we make for the citizens, businesses and visitors to Donegal. As the island moves forward politically with initiatives like Shared Island, gone are the days we should receive a reply citing legislative borders.
  • For the Northern Ireland Executive, one further ask – shift the airport subvention burden away from one single set of ratepayers in Derry and Strabane and allocate from central government to recognise the wider GVA (gross value added) contribution to economic growth and the need to level up within Northern Ireland towards the northwest.

    • 6. What is your favourite summer holiday destination from CODA?

    On a direct service, Palma is fantastic for the family.

    7. What is your favourite city break destination from CODA?

    I’d have to say Liverpool: the true home of football and a great night out.

    8. What is your “bucket list” holiday destination?

    With our recently announced London Heathrow route, this opens up the world from City of Derry Airport. With the kids, I’d choose Kuala Lumpur; without the kids, it would be Las Vegas.

    9. What sustainability measures have been taken at CODA?

    We are well on our way on our journey towards net zero by reducing our energy consumption through replacement of all car park, on-site facilities and main terminal lighting. Currently, we are seeking local schemes with the recognized accreditation to ensure we can maintain a carbon neutral status while directly benefiting our local communities, and our ultimate goal (currently seeking proposals) will be the entire airport site powered by solar energy and licensed waste management partnerships.

    10. Can you share some fun facts about CODA?

  • Stored on site at the airport are two jettisoned fuel tanks from Richard Branson’s record-breaking balloon flight across the Atlantic when he “landed” in a nearby field in Limavady.
  • Harry Ferguson (of tractor fame) was famously based a few miles round the coast from here at Bellarena strand when developing his monoplane after conducting Ireland’s first powered flight in 1910.
  • Amelia Earhart on her epic solo journey across the Atlantic “landed” in Gallagher’s field just six miles away from where our airport exists today.

    • Visit www.cityofderryairport.com

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