City of Derry Airport Travel Guide 2026 - Beyond Borders

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City of Derry Airport Travel Guide 2026

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Remitly Editorial Staff
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Key Highlights

  • City of Derry Airport (LDY) is where you start your journey in Northern Ireland. The airport connects you to other great places.

  • You can get to big hubs like London Heathrow. Fly with airlines like British Airways, Loganair, and easyJet.

  • The airport is only seven miles from Derry~Londonderry city centre.

  • Start your next trip to see the Wild Atlantic Way here.

  • You can also set out on the beautiful Causeway Coastal Route right from Derry.

  • The airport has good passenger facilities so your travel feels easy and comfortable.

Introduction

Welcome to your must-have guide for City of Derry Airport. If you are travelling for work or for a fun holiday, this place is a great starting point. It will help you see the lively city of Derry and the beautiful views in Northern Ireland. As the top airport for the North West, it is easy to use and has a warm, friendly feel. This guide will give you all you need to know. You will have a smooth trip from here, one of the main places to fly in and out of in the north of Ireland.

Getting to and from City of Derry Airport

Getting to City of Derry Airport (LDY) is easy. The airport is only seven miles northeast of Derry. That means it is close to the city. This makes it simple for people to get there, whether you are coming from the city, other parts of Northern Ireland, or from elsewhere in the United Kingdom. The airport is easy to get to by road, so all travellers can make the trip with little trouble.

It is a good idea to plan your transport before you travel. This can help your journey go well. In the next parts, we will talk about how you can get between the airport and the city. We will share tips about public transport, taxis, and places to park, so you will know what option could be the best one for you.

Transport options from Derry city centre to the airport

If you want to get from the city centre to City of Derry Airport, the trip does not take long. You can expect it to take about 17 minutes by car, but traffic might make it a bit slower. The airport is around 9.2 miles from the middle of Derry. You just follow the A2, which has lots of signs to help you find your way.

Many people in the United Kingdom like to drive themselves. This way, you get to go at your own speed. The drive is simple and direct, which helps if you know how to drive in the area. To get to the city centre from the airport, you just head west and look for the signs that say where to go.

If you do not want to drive, other ways to get between City of Derry Airport (LDY) and the city centre are easy to find. These choices let you move between Derry and the airport without any stress. You can just sit back, relax, and enjoy your time.

Public transport, taxi services, and parking information

If you want to get from the City of Derry Airport using public transport, you can use several bus services. These buses go to Derry, Londonderry, and other places near the city in Northern Ireland. Bus travel is a good way to save money. The buses are partly funded by public service obligation money, so people in the region can stay connected. If you want a ride that is more private, there are many taxis waiting for you outside the terminal. These taxis will take you straight to where you need to go.

If you are driving to the airport, you will find that there is a lot of parking. You can pick from short-stay or long-stay options, and the right car park for your needs is easy to find. The airport has several ground-level parking areas, making it simple to park your car.

Here are some important transport points:

  • Bus Services: The airport has buses that leave often. These buses go to Derry~Londonderry and other places in Northern Ireland.

  • Taxi Services: Licensed taxis wait just outside the arrivals hall. They are ready to take you quickly into the city.

  • On-site Parking: Car parks are close by. You can choose short-term or long-term parking, depending on what you need.

Overview of City of Derry Airport

City of Derry Airport is an important airport for the northwest of Ireland. It serves both Northern Ireland and parts of County Donegal. The airport was once a military airbase. It became the new City of Derry Airport in 1994, when the new terminal opened. This change started a new chapter for air travel in Derry. Over the years, the airport has improved a lot. It now gives better services to travellers from the United Kingdom.

This airport is small and easy to use. It has a friendly feel that makes all people feel welcome. Below, you can find out about the airport’s layout, opening times, and ways to contact the airport. This makes sure you have all the information you need for your trip.

Essential details and airport layout

City of Derry Airport (LDY) features a single, user-friendly terminal building, which makes navigation simple and stress-free. Upon entering, you’ll find the check-in desks and baggage drop areas conveniently located. After security, the departure lounge offers seating, shopping, and food and beverage options while you wait for your flight to destinations like London.

The layout is designed for efficiency. The arrivals hall is situated on the ground floor, with baggage reclaim and car hire desks easily accessible as you exit. The compact size of the airport means walking distances are short, from check-in to your gate.

Here are some key details about the airport:

Feature

Detail

IATA Code

LDY

Location

Eglinton, County Londonderry, 7 miles from Derry

Owner

Derry City and Strabane District Council

Runways

One asphalt runway (1,969 metres)

Serves

Derry, Northern Ireland, and County Donegal

Opening hours, annual schedule, and contact details

City of Derry Airport stays open all year, with hours that match the flight times. The terminal opens when the first flight is due and closes after the last flight. This schedule may change during the year, but you can count on the airport for flights to key UK spots and some European places during certain times. To get the most up-to-date flight times for LDY, it is best to check the city of derry airport’s official website.

If you want to get in touch with the airport for any reason, there are a few ways you can do so. For general questions or if you need help, the main information desk is the first place you should go. You can find their phone number and email on the official City of Derry Airport (LDY) website.

The management at the Derry airport works hard to give all travellers a good experience. If you want to ask about your flight, need special help, or would like to give your thoughts, the customer service team is always ready to talk with you.

Airlines and Destinations from City of Derry Airport

City of Derry Airport (LDY) links the North West of Ireland to busy places across the UK and further out. The airport has flights to and from the area with British Airways and other budget airlines. This lets travellers pick from different ways to get where they want to go. You can have flights for business with British Airways to London Heathrow, or catch a quick trip to Manchester, all from Derry.

The airport has some trips to top holiday spots in Europe during certain times of the year. So, let us look at which airlines are now flying from the city of derry airport and what main places you can reach straight from there.

Current airlines operating at the airport

Several big airlines run regular flights from City of Derry Airport. This helps connect Northern Ireland to the rest of the UK and other places. The airport is a home base for Loganair, which is a Scottish airline. Loganair does a lot to keep people in the area connected.

Big names like British Airways also fly from the airport. This links Derry and the region to main places around the world. In the last few years, easyJet has begun flying more routes from the airport. This gives more choices for travellers and adds new places you can go from City of Derry. Ryanair runs flights too, taking people from Derry to top places in the UK. These airlines help people from both Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland find easy air travel.

The airlines now flying from City of Derry Airport (LDY) are:

  • Loganair: Runs important flights within the UK.

  • easyJet: This airline flies to the most places from this airport.

  • Ryanair: Offers flights to big UK cities.

  • British Airways: Connects travellers with help from Loganair, its franchise partner.

Direct flights and key destinations available

From City of Derry Airport, you can fly straight to many big cities in the United Kingdom. These flights are important for business travellers, students, and tourists. Some main places you can go to are London Heathrow, which gives good links to other parts of the world, and Manchester, which is busy and well-known.

You can also reach Scottish cities like Glasgow and Edinburgh with regular flights. If you want to see the northwest of England, the airport offers a direct flight to Liverpool. These connections help people plan trips or work visits easily, as there is no need for connecting flights.

In the past, City of Derry Airport had flights to Dublin, but now the main focus is on getting to the UK. With a range of destinations, City of Derry stays a handy and important airport for the area, as it gives direct flights to some of the most popular cities in the UK.

Traveller Facilities and Services at City of Derry Airport

City of Derry Airport (LDY) has many things for people who travel. The place gives you what you need to have a good trip. There are places to eat and things for people who come to do work. The airport thinks about what the travellers want and need. This is part of the public service obligation. With this, the airport stays important for Derry, Northern Ireland, Ireland and the UK.

In the next parts, you will see what you can find at city of derry airport. We will talk about the places to eat and places to shop. There is also help for families and for people who may need special support.

Food, shopping, and passenger amenities

Before you fly from City of Derry Airport (LDY), you can eat or have a coffee at the café inside. It is set in the main concourse. This place is nice to sit down and rest before you go through security. In the departure lounge, you will get other choices if you feel hungry or want a quick bite at the last minute.

If you want to shop, the airport gives you a chance for that. You can look for travel things at WHSmith or buy gifts and souvenirs. The tax-free shop inside the departure area is good for getting deals on scents, drinks, and more.

Here are some key things at City of Derry Airport (LDY):

  • Café and Bar: You can get hot food, cold food, snacks, and drinks.

  • Shopping: There is a WHSmith for things you may need and a tax-free shop for gifts and nice buys.

  • Business Lounge: The Amelia Earhart Business Lounge has space if you want to work or just sit quietly.

Special assistance, family-friendly features, and Wi-Fi

City of Derry Airport makes sure all passengers have a smooth trip, including those who need special help. If you or someone in your group needs support, it’s best to let your airline know at least 48 hours before your flight. The team at the airport is always ready to help, from check-in all the way to getting on the plane.

Families with young children will find it easy to get around the airport. There are places to change babies, and the small terminal is simple to use with children. Staff are friendly and do their best to make your family’s time better.

Free Wi-Fi is available everywhere in the terminal. You can use it to check on emails, scroll through social media, or look up your flight. This service helps you stay in touch until you are ready to board your flight from City of Derry Airport (LDY).

Car Hire and Ground Transport Options

Hiring a car from City of Derry Airport (LDY) is a great way to see the lovely views in Northern Ireland. With your own rental car, you can go to both the Wild Atlantic Way and the Causeway Coastal Route. These are two of the most well-known journeys in Ireland. The airport has good transport links, so it is a nice place to start your trip on the road.

There are several car hire companies at the airport. You can choose from many different cars to fit what you need. In this guide, we will look at which companies there are. We will also share some good tips on booking your car and planning your driving routes in the Derry area and beyond.

Car hire companies based at City of Derry Airport

If you want to hire a car, there are easy choices right at City of Derry Airport. Big international brands like Avis have their desks inside the terminal. This lets you sort out your vehicle soon after you land. The car hire desks are usually in the arrivals hall, where you go after you pick up your bags.

When the paperwork is done, the rental car pick-up spots are close to the terminal. The cars are kept in a set car park. So you can get moving quickly and start your journey from Derry. This smooth setup is great for travellers who want to begin exploring right away.

Some car hire companies you can get at the airport include:

  • Avis: The Avis desk is on the left side of the arrivals hall after you get your baggage.

  • Other local and international providers: There are other companies that give good rates and a mix of cars to choose from.

Booking tips and nearby driving routes

To get the best deal on your car hire, you should book early. This is true, especially when lots of people travel at certain times. When you book online, you can compare costs and pick the car that is right for your plans. It does not matter if you want to go alone or with your family. Always check the age rules. Most companies ask that drivers be at least 23 years old.

If you are in the City of Derry, you are in a great spot to see some of the best road trips in Ireland. The airport sits where the Wild Atlantic Way starts to wind down the west side of Ireland. It is also where the Causeway Coastal Route heads east towards Belfast.

Here are some tips for your trip:

  • Book ahead: Book your car before you travel to lock in a good price.

  • Check documents: Bring your driving licence, credit card, and photo ID with you.

  • Drive the Wild Atlantic Way: Go west from the airport for a fun trip along the coast.

  • Explore the Causeway Coastal Route: Drive east to see well-known sights like the Giant’s Causeway.

Keywords in this text: city of derry, wild atlantic way, coastal route, derry, ireland

History and Development of City of Derry Airport

The story of the City of Derry Airport shows a big change over time. This place started in the Second World War. Back then, it was an RAF airbase. When the war was over, it stayed a military site for some years until the 1950s. After that, it started to have some commercial flights. This start helped shape the airport as we know it now—a big part of travel and life in Northern Ireland and the United Kingdom.

Over the years, the city of Derry saw its airport go from a military field to a busy regional spot. Each major step and each bit of growth helped make the new City of Derry Airport. Now, people in Derry and the rest of Ireland can look back and see how the airport grew and changed through the years.

Major milestones and airport growth

The airport’s modern story started in 1978 when the local council bought the airfield. They wanted to make travel better for people in the area. Loganair launched the first regular flight to Glasgow in 1979. But the biggest change came between 1989 and 1993. This was when a big redevelopment plan took place.

There was a £10.5 million spend to upgrade things like the runway, terminal, and navigation systems. The new terminal opened in March 1994. The airport got a new name: City of Derry Airport. This was a fresh start. The airport could now take bigger planes and new airlines. Ryanair came in 1999.

Key milestones in the airport’s history include:

  • 1941: Set up as RAF Eglinton during the Second World War.

  • 1994: A new terminal opens, and the airport is renamed City of Derry Airport.

  • 2008: Passenger numbers reach a peak of nearly 439,000.

Recent upgrades and future developments

In the last few years, City of Derry Airport has changed a lot to help passengers have a better time. The arrivals hall is now better, and the terminal is being expanded with a big investment. The upgrade is to make sure the airport meets today’s customs and immigration standards. All of these changes are part of what’s planned for the new City of Derry Airport.

Looking ahead, the team at the airport is keen to make sure the airport stays strong and keeps growing. They are trying to bring in new airlines and start more routes. The idea of privatisation is also on the table, so more business knowledge can come in. They plan to keep putting money into the airport, so it keeps serving Derry and the rest of the region well.

By improving the airport and thinking ahead, City of Derry wants more people to use the airport and help it become the main way in and out of the North West. The main aim is to use the airport’s history and build a new, modern place that will do well for many years.

Accommodation Near City of Derry Airport

If you have an early flight from City of Derry Airport (LDY) or arrive late, it can be good to stay close by. There is a mix of places to sleep near the airport and in Derry city centre. You can choose from hotels that are comfortable or guesthouses with charm. This helps you get some rest before or after your trip through Northern Ireland.

No matter if you want something more fancy or you are watching your wallet, you will find a place that fits. Let’s look at some places you can stay near the airport and get some tips for your night in Derry, Ireland.

Nearest hotels and guesthouses for travellers

There are no hotels right at the airport. You will find good places to stay just a short drive away. The nearby village of Eglinton and the countryside around the city of Derry have guesthouses and B&Bs. These give you a taste of the local way of life. They are great if you want a calm and quiet night.

The city centre of Derry is only about fifteen minutes by car from the airport. In the city centre, you get many hotel choices. There are big hotel chains, small hotels, and guesthouses run by families. Many are inside the old city walls for a special place to stay.

Some places you can look at are:

  • City Centre Hotels: Hotels in Derry let you easily get to restaurants, shops, and sights.

  • Local Guesthouses: Stay in B&Bs near the airport to get a friendly welcome and a homely feel.

  • Countryside Retreats: Want something else? Find places to stay in scenic spots around the city of Derry.

Tips for overnight or early-morning stays

Staying overnight near City of Derry Airport can help you avoid the rush for an early flight. If you want your travel to go well, it is a good idea to book your place to stay early, mainly when Derry is busy. This way, you will get more options and sometimes better prices too.

When you pick a hotel, see if the hotel has services you need. Some will offer an airport shuttle or times for check-in and check-out that can fit your plans. A few hotels in Derry have parking deals as well, so you can leave your car in a safe place when you travel.

Here are some tips for a smooth stay:

  • Book Ahead: Make sure you book your room early so you do not miss out.

  • Check Transport: Work out how you will get to City of Derry Airport when your flight is early.

  • Pack Smart: Put the things you will need for the night in a small bag, so you do not have to open your whole suitcase.

Conclusion

The City of Derry Airport is a handy place for travellers who want to see the north-west of Ireland. The airport has many airlines and destinations. It also offers useful services and facilities for all passengers. You can find transport and places to stay close by, so planning your trip can be easy and simple.

Before you go, check the latest flight times and try to use the airport’s main features. If you need help or want your time at the airport to go well, you can ask for support. You can even book a free consultation to get extra advice for your travel plans. Safe travels!

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the live arrival and departure times?

To get real-time flight information, you should go to the official City of Derry Airport (LDY) website. The site shows live boards for arrivals and departures. You can see your flight status and look at the latest schedule before you go to the airport.

Is City of Derry Airport open all year round?

City of Derry Airport (LDY) stays open all year. The airport has a regular timetable with flights that link Northern Ireland to many places in the UK and to some places in Europe during certain months. The opening hours can change from day to day, depending on the flights. It’s a good idea to check the schedule before you go.

How can I contact customer service at the airport?

You will find how to talk to the customer service team at City of Derry Airport (LDY) on their official website. The site gives the phone number for the information desk and the email address for any questions. This helps you to get help when you need it at the city of derry.