โฐ Minimum Connection Times
Domestic โ Domestic
45
minutes
Domestic โ International
90
minutes
International โ Domestic
90
minutes
International โ International
120
minutes
Interline Connections
120
minutes
๐ข Terminal Information
City of Derry Airport (LDY) operates through a modern terminal building that opened in March 1994 following a major ยฃ10.5 million redevelopment program, located 7 miles northeast of Derry on the south bank of Lough Foyle, near Eglinton village and formerly known as RAF Eglinton and Londonderry Eglinton Airport. The purpose-built terminal features enhanced arrivals and departures facilities including tax-free shopping, WHSmith, and the Amelia Earhart Business Lounge in the departure area, along with a customer service desk near the main entrance providing comprehensive passenger support during operational hours. The facility's transformation from a military airfield to a modern regional airport represents significant investment in Northern Ireland's aviation infrastructure.
Commercial operations at EGAE include Loganair as a base airline operating year-round flights to Glasgow (multiple daily) using ATR turboprops and to London Heathrow (three times daily Monday-Friday, reduced weekends) primarily with Embraer E195 jets, providing essential UK connectivity. Ryanair UK returned to the airport in December 2021 with daily Manchester services using Boeing 737s, while easyJet operates year-round services to Birmingham (twice weekly since September 2025), Edinburgh, and Liverpool using Airbus A319/A320 aircraft. The airport processed 179,095 passengers in 2024, recovering from pandemic lows of 73,024 in 2021, though below its 2008 peak of 438,996 passengers.
City of Derry Airport serves as Northern Ireland's northwest regional gateway, providing crucial connectivity for the broader cross-border region including County Donegal in the Republic of Ireland, where many passengers originate due to limited local aviation alternatives. The airport's strategic location and improved facilities enable larger aircraft operations that transformed it from handling only a few thousand passengers annually to becoming a significant regional hub. Ground transportation from the terminal connects to Derry city center, the broader northwest region, and cross-border areas, while the airport's role as a regional employment center and transportation hub supports both business and leisure travel in this historically significant area of Ireland.
๐ Connection Tips
City of Derry Airport (LDY), located near Eglinton about 7 miles northeast of Derry, serves as the primary aviation gateway for the Northwest of Northern Ireland and the cross-border region of County Donegal. Taxis are also readily available at the terminal entrance, and major car rental agencies like Avis and Hertz have desks in the arrivals hall, though pre-booking is highly recommended during the summer tourism season. If you are coordinating a connection to an international flight via London Heathrow (LHR) or Manchester (MAN), the airportโs streamlined design allows you to arrive just 90 minutes before departure.
For travelers connecting through this efficient regional hub, the compact single-terminal layout ensures exceptionally fast transit and security processing times compared to larger UK airports. The terminal features modern amenities, including a WHSmith, a cafe, and the 'Amelia Earhart Business Lounge'โa nod to the famous aviator who landed nearby in 1932. Be mindful that the airportโs location near Lough Foyle can occasionally lead to foggy conditions, particularly in the winter, so checking your flight status via the easyJet or Loganair app is wise.
Ground transportation is well-supported, with the Translink 'Service 234' bus providing a regular link between the airport, Derry city center, and Coleraine. Free high-speed Wi-Fi is available throughout the building. For those with a long layover, the historic city walls of Derry and the stunning Giant's Causeway are within reasonable driving distance, making LDY an ideal starting point for exploring the Causeway Coastal Route.
โฐ Minimum Connection Times
Domestic โ Domestic
30
minutes
Domestic โ International
60
minutes
Interline Connections
120
minutes
๐ข Terminal Information
Bembridge Airport (BBP) is a charming and historic unlicensed aerodrome located on the eastern tip of the Isle of Wight. Primarily serving the general aviation community, it offers a more intimate and relaxed experience compared to major mainland hubs. The airfield features a main asphalt runway and a parallel grass strip, which is particularly popular with recreational pilots during the dryer summer months. The airport's operational hours are generally restricted to daylight, with radio services provided during specific windows, making it essential for pilots to obtain Prior Permission Required (PPR) before arrival.
The focal point of the airport's social life and passenger facilities is The Propeller Inn, a traditional pub and restaurant located right next to the airfield. It offers home-cooked meals and a great vantage point for watching aircraft movements, making it a popular destination for both visiting pilots and local residents. Adjacent to the inn, the Wight Aviation Museum provides a fascinating look into the island's rich aerospace heritage, including exhibits on the locally built Britten-Norman Islander and Saunders-Roe aircraft. These facilities serve as the 'terminal' for most visitors, providing a welcoming atmosphere and essential refreshments.
Facilities at the airfield are functional and tailored to the needs of light aircraft. There are no traditional check-in desks or security gates; instead, pilots and passengers enjoy a streamlined process that emphasizes ease of access and safety. Parking is strictly controlled and typically located on the North side of the runway to ensure clear access. Visitors are reminded to follow designated pathways and avoid crossing active runways at all times. The airport's unique position near the coast and the village of Bembridge requires strict adherence to noise abatement procedures, including avoiding overflights of the residential areas to maintain positive community relations.
๐ Connection Tips
Bembridge Airport (BBP) is primarily a general aviation gateway to the Isle of Wight, meaning traditional commercial airline connections are not available on-site. For most visitors arriving via private charter or the Wingly platform, ground transportation is the primary means of connecting to the rest of the island. Local taxi services are readily available but often require pre-booking, especially during the busy summer months. A car rental service can also be arranged with prior notice, providing the most flexibility for exploring the island's scenic coastlines and inland attractions.
For those needing to connect to the UK mainland or international destinations, the journey typically involves a combination of local transport and a cross-Solent ferry. The nearest major ferry links are in Ryde (Fastcat to Portsmouth) and Fishbourne (Wightlink to Portsmouth), both within a 15-20 minute drive from the airfield. Alternatively, the Red Funnel services from East Cowes to Southampton provide access to the rail network at Southampton Central, which offers direct trains to London Waterloo and Southampton Airport (SOU). Public bus services operated by Southern Vectis serve the nearby village of Bembridge, with route 8 connecting to Sandown, Newport, and Ryde.
While the walk from the airfield to the nearest bus stop is manageable for those with light luggage, a short taxi ride is recommended for comfort. Travelers should note that the airport is unlicensed and operates under Prior Permission Required (PPR) rules, so all flight connections must be coordinated directly with the airfield management to ensure serviceability and ground support availability. Always check the weather forecast, as Isle of Wight ferry and air services can be affected by high winds or poor visibility.
โ Back to City of Derry Airport