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
Blackbushe Airport (BBS) is a significant general and business aviation airfield located on the border of Hampshire and Surrey, near the town of Yateley, UK. Historically one of the busiest airports in the UK during the mid-20th century, it now serves as a premier hub for private aviation, corporate jets, and flight training. The airport features a single active asphalt runway (07/25) and is well-known for its excellent drainage, making it a reliable choice for year-round operations. Its strategic location near the M3 motorway provides convenient access for business travelers heading into London or the southern technology corridors.
The main terminal facility at Blackbushe is a modern Fixed Base Operator (FBO) building that caters specifically to the needs of private and corporate aviation. This facility offers a stark contrast to the hectic environment of major commercial hubs, providing a discreet and efficient experience for its users. Inside, passengers can find comfortable executive lounges, well-equipped meeting rooms, and high-speed Wi-Fi, making it an ideal location for business briefings or quiet preparation before a flight. The terminal also houses the airport's administrative offices and provides essential pilot services, including flight planning and meteorological data.
Operational efficiency is a hallmark of Blackbushe, with streamlined security and boarding procedures that allow for rapid transitions from ground to air. There are no traditional baggage carousels or long check-in queues; instead, passengers are often met directly by their crew or ground handling staff. The airfield is home to several prestigious flying schools and maintenance organizations, contributing to a vibrant aviation community. On-site dining is available at the popular Pathfinder Cafรฉ, which offers a range of refreshments and meals with excellent views of the runway, making it a favorite spot for both pilots and aviation enthusiasts. The airport also hosts regular events, including outdoor markets and automotive auctions on parts of the original airfield site.
๐ Connection Tips
Connecting to Blackbushe Airport (BBS) is exceptionally convenient for those traveling by road, thanks to its proximity to major transport arteries. Located just off the A30, the airport is only a few minutes from Junction 4a of the M3 motorway, providing a direct route to Southwest London and the M25 orbital. For business travelers, this means a typical driving time of around 45 to 60 minutes to Central London, depending on traffic. Ample on-site parking is available directly adjacent to the FBO terminal, allowing for a seamless transition between car and aircraft.
For those requiring rail connections, the nearest stations are Fleet and Farnborough (Main), both of which are approximately a 10-15 minute taxi ride from the airport. These stations offer frequent and fast services to London Waterloo, with journey times of around 40 minutes, as well as direct links to Southampton and the wider South Coast. It is highly recommended to pre-book a taxi for transfer from the station to the airfield, as the walk from the nearest public transport stops on the A30 can be challenging with luggage. Local taxi firms are well-accustomed to serving the airport and are familiar with the FBO's location.
While Blackbushe does not host scheduled commercial flights, it is frequently used as a convenient 'reliever' or private access point for those who might otherwise use London Heathrow (LHR) or Gatwick (LGW). Connecting between Blackbushe and Heathrow is a relatively straightforward 30-minute drive via the M3 and M25, making it a viable option for those transferring from private to international commercial services. For international arrivals at Blackbushe, it is important to note that the airport has 'Certificate of Agreement' status for customs and immigration,
โ Back to City of Derry Airport