Loganair is to launch a new Dundee to Belfast service and switch its Dundee to London flights to London City.
The Northern Ireland service is the first between the cities since the end of a previous Loganair service in 2012. From 2nd April, it will operate up to six times each week (daily except Saturdays) during the summer season and three times each week during the winter season to the airport officially known as George Best Belfast City.
Loganair chief executive Jonathan Hinkles said:“We are pleased to bring back a Dundee to Belfast service, for which we’re sure there will be strong demand. There are currently over 2000 Northern Ireland students at Dundee University and strong golf ties with famous Open Championship courses at each end of the route in St Andrews and Royal Portrush.
“Today’s announcement of an enhanced London service and a new Belfast link will provide a very significant boost for Dundee Airport, and we’re delighted to be building on Loganair’s long-standing presence at the airport with these exciting developments.”
The London services will move from Stansted to City from from 29 March 2020 and will be served by two flights in each direction every weekday and one on Sundays, bringing passengers close to the centre of London rather than a 45-minute train ride away.
It is backed by funding from the UK Government, Transport Scotland and Dundee City Council under a Public Service Obligation (PSO) to boost tourism, connect the UK and encourage economic growth.
Hinkles said: “There are real benefits for our customers in this move to fly directly into UK’s capital, not least being the reduced travel time to the heart of the city. London City Airport is only 10 minutes from Canary Wharf and 30 minutes from central London, making it ideal for both business and leisure travellers. It’s a substantial time saving on the Stansted Express journey.”
In October, the Department for Transport renewed the PSO for another two years and Loganair was chosen by Dundee City Council to continue to fly between the city and London. A new ATR42-500 will replace the Saab 340, increasing seat capacity from 33 to 48 seats. The new aircraft are also more environmentally efficient, cutting carbon emissions per passenger by around 30%.
Mark Flynn, deputy convener of Dundee City Council’s city development committee said: “The announcement of these routes to and from Dundee into the heart of London and Belfast are attractive propositions for business and leisure travellers, making it quick and easy for them to get directly to and from the city.
“Our air link with the UK’s commercial centre is an important part of our travel infrastructure and a positive piece in the delivery of a strong and sustainable economy that will provide jobs, retain graduates and make Dundee a magnet for new talent.”
London City Airport aviation director Peter Downes said: “We are delighted to welcome back a twice daily Dundee service, the first by Loganair. The support from Loganair, local communities, national and local government, businesses and Dundee West MP Chris Law for a service to the centre of London has been nothing short of inspiring. The airport looks forward to working with all of them to make this route a domestic aviation success story.”
Aviation Minister Paul Maynard said: “Supporting more flights between Scotland and England is vital in bringing businesses and local communities closer together across all of Britain. Flying into London City Airport will make journeys between the cities easier than ever before, giving passengers a better experience and helping British businesses to thrive.”
UK Government Minister for Scotland Douglas Ross said: “I am delighted that UK Government funding is helping to boost connectivity between Dundee and London, two fantastic UK cities. News that this important service will now serve London City Airport means business and leisure passengers will find it even easier to travel between Dundee and the very heart of London.
“We are working hard to ensure that Scotland and the whole of the UK prospers. This includes supporting economic growth in Dundee and the wider region by investing a transformative £150 million through the Tay Cities deal and providing £5 million for the opening of the innovative V&A Dundee. These flights will help more people enjoy what this fantastic part of Scotland has to offer.”
Scottish Government Cabinet Secretary for Transport, Infrastructure and Connectivity Michael Matheson said: “This is welcome news from Loganair that improves connectivity to Dundee. Not only do the services to London City and Belfast help business travellers but it also makes it easier for visitors to get a taste of the fantastic tourist offering in and around Dundee. We wish Loganair and Dundee Airport every success with the services.”
Dundee West MP Chris Law said: “Flights from Dundee to London City Airport are an important piece of the jigsaw in terms of bringing investment and employment to our local area in the future, and I am delighted as the local Member of Parliament that these flights will return.
“It was a real loss to our local area when the route was lost over five years ago. Earlier this year I launched my campaign to bring the flights back, and this has had enormous support from the people and businesses of Dundee and the surrounding area. Dundee has an increasing national and international reputation as a great place to live, work and visit, and I am sure our city can look forward to welcoming more people than ever before.”
