Donegal: Campaigners criticise changes to Dublin flight route

The Irish government has awarded a new Public Service Obligation contract that changes the Donegal–Dublin timetable and removes the afternoon flight; campaigners and Donegal Airport say the change could affect patients who rely on same-day travel.

Officials announced a new Public Service Obligation contract for the Donegal–Dublin air route that changes the timetable and removes the afternoon flight. The contract says an aircraft will no longer be based overnight in Donegal and the new schedule starts on 29 March 2026. The Department of Transport said the service will provide twice-daily return flights with onward connections and that it will closely monitor the new schedule over the next three months. Campaigners and Donegal Airport have criticised the decision, saying it could affect patients who use same-day travel for medical appointments. Key points: - The Department of Transport confirmed a new PSO contract was awarded following a competitive tender and said twice-daily return flights will operate with onward connections. - Under the revised timetable taking effect on 29 March 2026, the afternoon departure from Donegal is removed and an aircraft will no longer be based overnight in Donegal. - The Department said the early morning departure from Donegal and the evening return from Dublin that enable some same-day round trips will continue to be facilitated and the schedule will be monitored for three months. - Campaigners and Donegal Airport have expressed opposition; campaigners plan to deliver a petition said to have 15,000 signatures to Minister Darragh O'Brien, and the airport has said it is seeking legal advice and expects to conclude its review in the coming days. Summary: Officials say a new PSO contract has been agreed and that twice-daily return flights will continue under a revised timetable starting on 29 March 2026. The Department of Transport announced it will closely monitor the schedule over the next three months. Donegal Airport has said it is seeking legal advice and expects to complete a review in the coming days. Campaigners have said they will deliver a petition to the transport minister.