City of Derry Airport

City of Derry Airport (LDY) is not merely a transport hub, but a welcoming aerial gateway to the picturesque northwest of the island of Ireland. Situated on the banks of the scenic Lough Foyle, it treats travellers to breathtaking views as the aircraft descends, setting the mood for an encounter with legendary landscapes. Instead of the hustle and bustle of giant international hubs, a calm, almost home-like atmosphere reigns here, where the journey from the aircraft steps to the city exit takes just a few minutes. It is the ideal starting point for those planning to explore the famous Causeway Coastal Route or visit the historic walled city.

Airport Features and Advantages

The main advantage of City of Derry is its compactness and efficiency. Thanks to the small size of the terminal, all pre-flight formalities are completed incredibly quickly. Passengers often note the absence of long queues at security and check-in, allowing for significant time savings and avoidance of unnecessary stress before travel. The airport staff are known for their friendliness and readiness to assist, creating a pleasant first impression of the region.

The airport boasts a strategically advantageous location for tourists. It is located just a few minutes' drive from the start of famous tourist routes and natural attractions of Northern Ireland. For those renting a car, exiting the parking area onto the main road is maximally simple, allowing you to set off on adventures without delay, whether it be a trip to the Giant's Causeway or to the city of Londonderry itself.

Below is the essential contact information for City of Derry Airport (LDY), which will help you plan your trip and resolve any potential queries.

• Official Website: www.cityofderryairport.com
• Information Desk Phone: +44 (0) 28 7181 0784
• Address: Airport Road, Eglinton, Londonderry, BT47 3GY, United Kingdom
• Email: Main address for general enquiries — info@cityofderryairport.com
• Social Media: The airport actively maintains pages on popular social networks, such as Facebook and X (formerly Twitter), where the latest news and updates are published.
• Lost Luggage Information: If your luggage has been lost or damaged, you must contact your airline's baggage tracing service directly. Airport staff at the information desk can provide contact details for the relevant representative.
• Passenger Support Contacts: For all questions related to your stay at the airport, you can contact the information desk in the terminal or call the main information service number.

City of Derry Airport (LDY) is located just 11 kilometres northeast of the city centre of Londonderry, making it highly accessible for travellers. You can reach the terminal in several ways, the choice of which depends on your budget, time, and preferences. This air harbour is an important transport hub for the northern part of the United Kingdom.

Public Transport is the most economical way to get to the airport. Regular Ulsterbus services connect the airport with the Foyle Street Bus Station in the city centre. The journey takes about 20-30 minutes. This is a convenient and very affordable option, usually costing just a few pounds sterling, making it ideal for tourists with light luggage. It is recommended to check the schedule in advance, especially if your flight is scheduled for late evening or a weekend.

Taxi or Pre-booked Transfer offers maximum comfort. The journey from the city centre to the airport will take approximately 15-20 minutes depending on traffic. This is the ideal choice for those travelling with family, large luggage, or those who value their time. The cost of a taxi ride is typically around 15–20 pounds sterling. A taxi rank is located directly outside the terminal exit, but for a better rate and guaranteed availability, it is worth booking in advance through local services.

For those planning to explore the picturesque surroundings, including the famous Causeway Coastal Route, the best solution would be car rental. Several major rental companies have desks within the airport terminal. Having your own transport provides complete freedom of movement. If you are arriving at the airport in your own car, convenient parking is at your service. Zones for both short-term and long-term parking are provided, located in immediate proximity to the terminal building.

City of Derry Airport (LDY) is a compact and modern regional airport distinguished by a simple and clear structure. Its main feature is that it consists of one passenger terminal. This terminal serves all flights — both domestic and international — making navigation through it maximally convenient for travellers.

The terminal building is designed very logically. Departure and arrival zones are under one roof but clearly separated. Upon entering the terminal, you immediately find yourself in the general hall where airline check-in desks are located. After completing check-in and dropping off luggage, passengers proceed to the security screening area, which leads directly to the departure lounge. The arrival zone with the baggage reclaim belt and customs control is located in another part of the building and has a separate exit.

Thanks to the airport's compact size, all pre-flight formalities here proceed significantly faster than in major aviation hubs. Passing through check-in and security control usually takes no more than 20-30 minutes in a standard situation. Nevertheless, it is recommended to arrive at the airport 1.5-2 hours before departure to drop off luggage without rushing, have a coffee, and rest before your flight.

Navigation through the terminal is intuitive, and getting lost here is practically impossible. All important zones — from check-in desks to boarding gates — are within walking distance of each other. Clear signs in English will help you orient yourself easily. Since there is only one terminal, transfers between terminals are not required, which saves passengers from unnecessary stress and saves time.

The history of City of Derry Airport (LDY) is closely intertwined with key events of the 20th century. It was founded in 1941 during the Second World War as a Royal Air Force base named RAF Eglinton. Due to its strategic location in the United Kingdom, the airfield played a crucial role in the Battle of the Atlantic, serving as a base for aircraft escorting Allied convoys.

After the war ended, the facility was transferred to the Royal Navy, and from the 1950s, it began to gradually transition to civil use. The first commercial flights connected Londonderry with Glasgow. However, the real turning point came in 1978, when the local council purchased the airfield with the aim of turning it into a fully-fledged regional airport. This step laid the foundation for future development.

Significant modernisation occurred in the early 1990s. In 1994, a new modern terminal was opened, and the airport received its current official name — City of Derry Airport. This event became a symbol of a new era for the city's air gateway. In subsequent years, infrastructure continued to improve: the runway was extended and navigation equipment updated, allowing for larger aircraft to be accommodated and ensuring flight stability even in difficult weather conditions.

An interesting fact: despite its long military history, today the airport is exclusively a civil facility, but its past as an important military base still reminds us of its strategic significance. The transition from a military airfield to a modern passenger hub is a key feature of the history of City of Derry Airport.

City of Derry Airport (LDY) offers passengers all necessary amenities for a comfortable wait for their flight. Despite its compact size, the airport is well-equipped and thoughtfully designed so that your journey begins and ends with maximum convenience.

Within the terminal, you will find a cosy café where you can have a snack, drink coffee, or have a full lunch before departure. There is also a shop located here where you can purchase essentials, press, souvenirs, and gifts. This is an excellent place to pass the time and find something to remember your trip to Londonderry.

For those who value enhanced comfort, a business lounge is provided at the airport. Here, in a quiet atmosphere, you can work, hold a business meeting, or simply rest from the bustle of the main waiting hall. Throughout the terminal, free Wi-Fi is available, and numerous sockets and USB ports will allow you to charge your electronic devices before the flight.

The airport has ATMs for cash withdrawals. If you need to exchange currency, relevant services are also available for passengers. For first aid, a medical point operates within the terminal, ready to assist if necessary.

The airport cares for passengers with special needs. A mother and baby room is equipped for travellers with children. Passengers with reduced mobility are provided with all necessary assistance: from special parking spaces to accompaniment on board the aircraft. The terminal is fully accessible for wheelchair movement.

If you have a long layover or an early departure, several hotels offering comfortable accommodation are located in the immediate vicinity of the airport. For business travellers, conference room services may be available, allowing meetings or negotiations to be held without leaving the airport territory.

City of Derry Airport (LDY) is a compact regional airport, so dining options here are concentrated in one main establishment that serves the majority of passengers. When planning a snack or lunch, it is worth considering that the selection will not be as wide as in large international hubs, but quite sufficient to spend time comfortably while waiting for a flight.

The main place to eat is the café located in the departure lounge, immediately after passing security control (in the "airside" zone). Here, travellers are offered a varied menu suitable for both a quick snack and a more substantial meal. You can order freshly brewed coffee, tea, soft drinks, as well as various sandwiches, pastries, and desserts. For those who are hungry, hot dishes are usually available, for example, the soup of the day or a traditional breakfast, which is worth trying if time permits.

Regarding special dietary needs, the menu typically includes vegetarian options, such as cheese and vegetable sandwiches or salads. However, the choice for vegans, as well as gluten-free or halal dishes, may be limited. If you have strict dietary requirements, it is recommended to check the availability of suitable options with staff or carry a small snack with you.

The price range in the café corresponds to average airport rates — slightly higher than in city establishments. The opening hours of the establishment are directly tied to the flight schedule: it opens well before the first departure and closes after the last aircraft departs. Before passing control (in the "landside" zone), dining opportunities are generally limited to vending machines with drinks and snacks.

Travelling through City of Derry Airport can be quick and convenient, especially if you prepare in advance. To ensure your trip goes smoothly, use our tips which will help you orient yourself in the airport and avoid unnecessary hassle.

Arrival Time at the Airport. City of Derry Airport is small and modern, so queues here are usually shorter than in major hubs. Nevertheless, it is recommended to arrive at least 2 hours before domestic flights and 3 hours before international ones. This time will be sufficient to drop off luggage, pass security control, and reach the boarding gate without rushing.

Check-in and Security Control. The fastest way to check in for a flight is to do it online on your airline's website. This way you can proceed immediately to bag drop or, if travelling light, to the security checkpoint. Have your boarding pass ready while passing security control. All electronics (laptops, tablets) must be removed from your bag into a separate tray. Liquids with a volume of up to 100 ml must be packed in a transparent bag.

Choosing a Seat on the Plane. If the airline allows you to select a seat in advance, consider your preferences. Window seats will give you the opportunity to admire the views during take-off and landing. Aisle seats are convenient if you want the ability to stand up and stretch without disturbing neighbours. For short flights from Londonderry, this is not as critical, but can add comfort.

Hand Luggage. Before your trip, be sure to check the current weight and size limits for hand luggage on the airline's website. Standard rules prohibit bringing liquids in containers larger than 100 ml, sharp objects, weapons, and flammable substances on board. All permitted liquids must fit into one transparent bag with a volume of no more than 1 litre.

Connecting Passengers. The airport mainly serves direct flights. If you have a self-transfer, ensure you have enough time between flights. You will likely have to collect luggage, check in again, and pass security control. Check with the airline if your luggage will be checked through to the final destination.

Customs Control. For passengers arriving from other parts of the United Kingdom or Ireland (within the Common Travel Area), there is no customs control. For those arriving from other countries, standard rules apply: use the "Green Channel" if you have nothing to declare, and the "Red Channel" if you are carrying goods subject to declaration.

How to Save Time and Money:

• Time: Check in online and, if possible, travel with hand luggage only.
• Money: Book parking and airport transfers online in advance — this is often cheaper. Take an empty reusable water bottle with you and fill it after passing security control to avoid buying expensive water.

Flight Delays. In case of a flight delay or cancellation, first contact your airline representative. Monitor information on the departure boards and in the airline's app. Depending on the length of the delay, under regulations (UK 261), you may be entitled to drinks, meals, and for long waits — hotel accommodation. The airport has a café and free Wi-Fi to help pass the time.