Loganair, Scotland’s Airline, has announced it is to re-introduce services between Donegal and Glasgow, stepping in to secure the future of the route following the current operator’s decision to withdraw services.
The new flights will take off on Sunday March 25, with three return flights per week all year round on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays.
Additional summer flights will operate on Wednesdays between June 27 and September 19 and Saturdays from 26 May to 3 November plus a Saturday service at Easter from March 31 until April 14.
Loganair has a long history on this route, having flown between Donegal and Glasgow as far back as the early 1990s.
Current operator Stobart Air, which flies as Aer Lingus Regional, ceases its services on March 23.
Kay Ryan, Loganair’s Commercial Director, said: “We’re delighted to be returning to Donegal – a region where the airline has a history of service stretching across 30 years.”
“We’re also pleased to able to reassure the local community that there will be complete continuity when the current route provider ceases in March – without any break in service.”
“This is an extremely important link which will help families stay connected, travel between the two destinations on holiday or act as a convenient transport option for football fans heading to Glasgow.”
“It should also be huge boost for the area’s tourism industries and we’re looking forward to building this traffic in partnership with Donegal Airport in the months to come.”
Lead-in prices will start at £54.99 including a free 20kg checked baggage allowance for every customer – distinctly affordable for customers travelling on holiday, business, or visiting relatives.
Anne Bonner, Donegal Airport’s Managing Director, said they are delighted that Loganair are taking over the operation of the Donegal-Glasgow route, following the current carrier’s decision to cease the service from the end of the winter schedule.
“The Glasgow service is a key part of Donegal airport’s business and the route has been strongly supported over the years, in fact it has become a life-line for many of the Donegal diaspora in Glasgow and other Scottish regions.
“We in Donegal Airport will be working closely with the Tourism and Business Development Agencies to grow the traffic further and are looking forward to working with the Loganair team to deliver this important service into the future,” she said.
Local T.D. and Leas Cheann Comhairle Pat the Cope Gallagher, who has a long association with Donegal Airport, has welcomed the confirmation by Loganair that they are to provide a service between Donegal and Glasgow commencing on March 25.
He said: “Loganair has in the past provided an excellent service on the Donegal/ Dublin and Donegal/Glasgow Routes.”
“The Glasgow Donegal connection is essential for Donegal due to Tourism and Intra family connections with Scotland. We have seen strong steady performance over the years on the Glasgow/Donegal service and I am confident that this can only improve.”
“Today’s announcement by Loganair is welcome news not just for the Airport but all of Donegal and I wish Loganair every success.”
The new route will also provide onward connections at Glasgow to points within Loganair’s extensive route network in the Highlands and Islands including Stornoway, Islay, Campbeltown, Tiree and Benbecula. This will enable customers to make a single booking from any of these airports to Donegal – saving money and adding convenience to travel arrangements.
The news has been welcomed by Deputy Pat the Cope Gallagher.
He said “I have been working extremely proactively and close with these airline companies and the airport management in order to insure that a service provider would be secure to provide these vital connections with Glasgow. Prior to Christmas, when it was confirmed that Stobart had secured the Donegal to Dublin PSO connections – it became evident to those of us who work closely with the airport on a routine basis that the Glasgow flights were in jeopardy.
“In the interim period a great deal of work has taken place in order to secure this important announcement by Loganair. The Glasgow flights provide a very important air connection for Donegal Airport and in the past two years in excess of 23,000 passengers used the service between Donegal and Glasgow. Historically west Donegal and Glasgow have had very close connections and these flights provide a tangible link to those connections and links over time.
“I wish to compliment the management, staff and airport authorities at Donegal airport who have worked tirelessly on this announcement which avoids the loss of these services and connections with Glasgow.”
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