Travel Articles

Derry Airport was used as a military airport initially to help out during the second world war. Back in the 1930s into 1940s the base was called Eglinton. When the war ended Eglinton was once again returned to civilian use. Some thirty years after the was ended the base was turned into a flying club and school. They were both introduced in the 1970s and are still used by many passengers today.

Fifteen years after Loganair had introduced their regular flights to the UK main land. The council of Derry city applied and received funding to upgrade the airport. Over the next five years ending in 1994, the airport had a major overhaul which included the revamping of access roads, runway lighting and upgrading the runway itself.The pride of place was an up to date terminal with a fire station.

The name of the airport was changed to City of Derry Airport. Some passengers may refer to her as Londonderry Airport or Eglinton, none appears to mind. The main aim of the airport was now to attract air lines to select Derry as a destination. Logan air had been using the airport since 1979 flying back and forth to Glasgow. Then BA set up a daily route to Manchester in 1989. Various airlines have slowly introduced new routes over the past few years into Derry.

Today the terminal building has several places you can relax and unwind before you catch your flight. In the main airport of the building you can order a coffee with a few snacks and a sandwich at the Cafe Espresso. The cafe offers a small selection from its bar while customers can relax in a continental pavement cafe style of Europe.

If you feel you are in the need of something a little bit stronger before your flight then perhaps you can head over to the airport bar in the departure lounge. Here you can purchase a pint of beer or maybe have a go at sampling the Irish Guinness. You might prefer a glass of wine or bubbly or just a gin and tonic. Whatever your poison I am sure you will be able to sit back, relax and enjoy before making your way over to the boarding gate.

Some passengers prefer to arrive a little earlier than they are required and make their way over to the airport restaurant which can be found in the departure lounge. Passenger can order a breakfast, lunch or evening meal depending on what time of day their flight is due to take off. Passengers can order a cooked meal to heat them up before their flight. If travellers prefer a lighter meal with perhaps sandwiches and snacks this can easily be arranged at the restaurant too.

The airport offers a Bureau De Change and has a tourist information desk. If any business passengers are travelling from the airport they can make use of the business lounge set aside for them for all their business needs.

For travellers who have forgotten to bring along cash with them. The airport has an ATM in the terminal which uses the pound as its currency.

Not forgetting families with young children. An unsupervised area hosting soft play and various games is available within the terminal area.

This article was written by John Joe on behalf of Car Hire UK at http://www.bluewheels.com who can offer car hire at Derry Airport, Ireland.