All aboard for the Algarve

Holiday makers from across the region were excited to be the first passengers onboard Ryanair's new twice weekly direct flight.

Cllr Colum Eastwood, Chairperson of Airport Committee has welcomed the new service from the airport, commenting: "The addition of this new route to Faro is great news for City of Derry Airport and for the people of the region.

"This service will allow holiday makers to avail of this direct flight to the heart of the Algarve, offering value and choice for our passenger. The new service is a positive development for the airport and cements its position as a key asset to the region."

Airport Manager Damien Tierney added: "This new scheduled service to Faro together with the Alicante service and the charter services to Majorca, Salou and Bulgaria gives the people of the North West of Ireland unprecedented choice for summer sun in 2010.

"Passengers from the Republic of Ireland can also avail of the current excellent exchange rate. With this level of choice and value there has never been a better time to fly from the City of Derry Airport."

Laura McCormack from Ryanair commented: "Ryanair is delighted to welcome passengers on board its new twice weekly service from City of Derry Airport to Faro which started on Thursday 1st April.

"Faro, capital of the Algarve, and famous for its long sandy beaches and sunny weather, has been a firm favourite with Irish holiday makers for many years. In addition, why not travel on Ryanair's twice weekly service to Alicante which restarted on Monday. Alicante is the gateway to Spain's fantastic Costa Blanca offering a fantastic coastline and hours of sunshine!"

Flights will operate on Sundays and Thursdays and details of times can be found at www.cityofderryairport.com. For bookings please log on to www.ryanair.com