Flights between Londonderry and Dublin could resume next year.

The announcement was made by the Irish government as part of their 2026 budget.

Minister for Public Expenditure Jack Chambers said it would allow for regular air travel between the two cities.

A daily flight between City of Derry Airport and Dublin, funded by the Irish government, was withdrawn in 2011.

Attempts to revive the service faltered in 2016 following the Brexit referendum.

Chambers said projects next year would include a new Dublin-Derry air link.

“This government is committed to supporting vibrant, inclusive and sustainable communities throughout Ireland where people can live, work and connect”, he said.

The minister did not give a date for the resumption of the service.

People in the north-west gave their reaction to the announcement about the planned return of the flights, on Tuesday.

Natasha Weir, who is a travel agent, described the proposed restoration of the service as “phenomenal”.

“I think it is going to open up a lot of opportunities and links for the people of Derry,” she said.

Natasha and her partner want to attend a concert in Dublin next year.

“It would rule out that long bus journey from Derry to Dublin, I just think it will be great for the city,” she added.

Ashna John lives in London but travels to Derry to visit her sister.

She said she will consider using the route more often when the service starts.

She also said it will be good for her sister when she travels to India to see her family.

“It it just easier for people like my sister living in the city, it saves them more time,” she added.

A spokesperson for City of Derry Airport said it welcomed the opportunity to meet with the Irish government’s minister for transport on Tuesday and “their firm commitment” to advance with a service between City of Derry Airport and Dublin.

“This route has the potential to be a game changer for the north west, providing vital connectivity to Dublin and opening new opportunities for business and tourism,” they added.

A Derry City and Strabane District Council spokesperson said the announcement “marks another significant step forward in delivering enhanced air connectivity for the North West City Region”.

They said the proposed route “represents a strategic opportunity for us to strengthen links, improve access for business and tourism”.

“This service when it is operational will significantly enhance regional connectivity, support economic growth and promote balanced regional development.”

Sinn Féin MLA Pádraig Delargy welcomed the announcement as a “hugely positive” one for the entire north west.

The Foyle MLA said City of Derry Airport had a “huge role to play in our local economy, helping to connect communities and businesses across these islands”.

Londonderry Chamber of Commerce chief executive, Anna Doherty, said the restoration of the Dublin route had “the potential to be an economic catalyst for our region”.