Loganair, the UK’s largest regional airline, has launched its new service linking Scotland’s oil and gas capital with the capital of the Irish Republic.
Flights between Aberdeen and Dublin are planned to start on September 5, with tickets on sale from today (June 24).
Loganair is replacing the previous service between the two cities which was lost with the collapse of Stobart Air two weeks ago.
The route will be operated using Loganair’s 49-seat Embraer 145 regional jets, with prices on the 1 hour 20 minute trip starting at £64.99 from Aberdeen and €69 from Dublin one way including all taxes and charges. All Loganair fares include a free checked baggage allowance.
The direct service, initially operating four times per week in each direction on Monday, Thursday, Friday and Sunday – will increase to daily from March 28 next year, with extra flights added on Monday and Friday from April 24 2022.
The route adds to 10 others already flown from Aberdeen by Loganair, including to Manchester, Birmingham and Bristol.
Kay Ryan, Loganair’s chief commercial officer, said: “We are truly excited to be operating this important service and pleased to be able to step in and quickly restore the vital link between these two great cities.
“It fits well with our increasingly dominant presence as the UK’s premier regional airline and develops our growing relationship with IAG through our codeshare with BA. We now look forward to enhancing our connectivity further as we work closely with Aer Lingus.
“We believe that, as certainty grows with the ongoing Covid-19 vaccination programme, an easing of current travel restrictions to and from the Irish Republic will allow customers to book and travel with confidence.”
She added that Loganair would be offering connections from its network via Aberdeen to Dublin - including from Sumburgh in Shetland and Kirkwall in Orkney.
Matt Hazlewood, group commercial director for Aberdeen Airport’s owner AGS Airports Ltd, said: “It is great to see Loganair growing its offering and presence at Aberdeen International Airport with a Dublin route.
“These routes strengthen our connectivity in the north-east of Scotland following the collapse of Stobart Air two weeks ago. Bringing back business safely is a key priority at our airport and this route will be warmly welcomed by our passengers and stakeholders.”
Dublin Airport Managing Director Vincent Harrison said he was delighted to welcome the new service from Loganair.
He said: “Dublin Airport has historically had very strong connectivity to a host of British cities and we’re happy to see Loganair restoring the direct connection between Dublin and Aberdeen and offering onward connectivity to a number of other Scottish destinations. We’ll be working hard with our colleagues at Loganair to help drive traffic in both directions on the new service.”