EasyJet Becomes Largest Airline at City of Derry Airport with New Birmingham Route
The skies between Derry and Birmingham are open once again. Budget airline easyJet has stepped in to restore the popular route, cementing its position as the biggest carrier at City of Derry Airport.
The first flight in the twice-weekly service lifted off on Monday afternoon, less than six months after Ryanair axed its own connection between the two cities. The new service will run every Monday and Friday, targeting both commuters and weekend travellers.
This marks a significant milestone for the North West terminal. In under a year since its debut at the airport, easyJet has expanded to three active routes, outpacing rivals Ryanair and Loganair.
City of Derry Airport’s managing director, Steve Frazer, welcomed the development: “We are thrilled to strengthen our airline partnership with easyJet and grow their operations across the Northwest.
These additional flights will make EasyJet the largest carrier at City of Derry Airport after less than a year since their inaugural Edinburgh and Liverpool flights.
The Birmingham route has been in high demand for travellers in this region who have family and friends in the Midlands, those who regularly commute throughout the year, and from the thriving student population.
With the EasyJet service operating on a Monday and Friday, it is also ideal for business passengers flying out on a Monday and returning home for the weekend, and of course for leisure travellers seeking a fun-filled weekend break as Birmingham has an abundance of experiences for families, couples and groups to soak up.”
Ryanair now maintains only a single Manchester route from the terminal, while Loganair continues two services — including the heavily subsidised London Heathrow link, supported by a £4.6m government commitment.
Kevin Doyle, easyJet’s new UK Country Manager, echoed the excitement: “We are thrilled to celebrate the launch of our new service from City of Derry Airport to Birmingham today, providing even more choice for our business and leisure customers alike.
We are proud to be the largest airline in Northern Ireland, offering great value fares and convenient connections for our customers looking to explore the fantastic experiences the Midlands has to offer.”
The return of the Birmingham connection is seen as vital for Derry’s economy.
Business leaders point to the route’s convenience for commuters, while tourism bodies highlight Birmingham’s reputation for shopping, nightlife, and cultural attractions. The link is also expected to be popular with students and families maintaining cross-country ties.
EasyJet’s move comes amid a wider reshuffle in regional air travel. While Ryanair has scaled back at Derry, easyJet’s growing footprint suggests confidence in the North West’s market potential.
Travellers are already looking ahead to future offers, with upcoming summer 2026 deals expected to attract even more passengers.
With strong demand already visible, industry watchers believe this is only the beginning of easyJet expansion in the region.
