- Airline expects to increase passengers numbers on the route
- Aer Lingus Regional route will allow for easier access to transatlantic services in Dublin for Donegal passengers and for US passengers to visit Donegal
- Airline to commence operating Glasgow service
Aer Lingus Regional, operated by Stobart Air, today flew its first flights to Dublin Airport as the new operator of the PSO (Public Service Obligation) route from Donegal. The airline will fly twice daily return flights seven days a week year round.
Stobart Air, who successfully tendered for the PSO contract last November, expects to increase passenger numbers on the route.
Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport Paschal Donohoe TD was aboard the airline’s inaugural flight, marking the beginning of Aer Lingus Regional flights from Donegal to Dublin.
Minister Donohoe said that he was pleased to fly on the inaugural Aer Lingus Regional service to Donegal today. Commenting: ‘For Ireland to continue down its path of economic recovery, a well-connected transport infrastructure that connects all four corners of the country is essential. Stobart Air’s operation of the Donegal Dublin route is a positive step towards achieving and maintaining this, providing an essential link between Donegal and the capital, facilitating business and encouraging tourism’.
Aer Lingus Regional will also operate the Donegal to Glasgow service, with up to four flights per week.
Sean Brogan, Interim Chief Executive Officer of Stobart Air, also a passenger on the inaugural flight, added: ‘Stobart Air is proud to operate the Donegal Dublin PSO. We fly to regional centres across Ireland and the United Kingdom, and recognise the importance of air access to the Donegal community. Our twice daily services between Donegal and Dublin facilitate day return travel from Donegal for both business and leisure passengers’.
“Equally, it will allow for easier connectivity to transatlantic services from Dublin for Donegal passengers and for US passengers to visit Donegal, one of Ireland’s most scenic tourist destinations.”
Passengers can now book from Donegal to the US with Aer Lingus and avail of the US immigration pre-clearance facilities at Dublin. This also opens up the US inbound leisure market to Donegal as a starting point for the Wild Atlantic Way.
Anne Bonner, Managing Director of Donegal Airport, said: ‘We look forward to working with the Stobart Air team to provide this essential air service for the people of Donegal and enable the Region to access business and tourism markets that were otherwise difficult to access’.
“The Aer Lingus Regional brand is a first for Donegal with huge opportunities for through connections. Donegal’s peripheral location more than meets the criteria for a PSO service and we thank Minister Donohoe and his Department for their continued support in recognising this.”
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