Donegal Airport Flights Face Disruption as Contract Renewal Looms, Sparking Patient Concerns
The future of vital public service obligation (PSO) flights connecting county Donegal and Dublin is in doubt as a new contract nears completion, raising fears of timetable changes that could severely impact patients needing access to essential medical treatment.
The controversy centers on proposed alterations to flight times, possibly eliminating key afternoon services relied upon by individuals traveling for cancer care and other specialist appointments.Tánaiste Simon Harris has pledged to intervene, stating he will ask Minister for Transport Darragh O’Brien to address the growing concerns.
Responding to questions from Sinn Féin TD Pearse Doherty in the Dáil, the Tánaiste acknowledged the critical role the air service plays for vulnerable patients and their families. “I am clear that the route is not about convenience,” he said. “It is about trying to manage illness with dignity.”
Critics Argue New Times are Impractical and Detrimental to patient Care
Doherty has been vocal in his criticism, characterizing the service as a “lifeline, not a luxury” for many. He highlighted the plight of cancer patients who depend on the existing schedule to receive timely treatment. “There are many patients…who, if it wasn’t for this flight, would not be able to avail of their cancer treatment,” he stated. He further pointed out the immediate impact of the contract uncertainty, noting that patients are already unable to book flights beyond February 26th.
Doherty has urged the government to guarantee the continuation of the midday service before finalizing any new contract.He condemned the proposed schedule, notably the late-night and early-morning flights, as “ludicrous” and predicted “ghost flights” on a route funded by a €17 million public contract.
Concerns Extend Beyond Patients
The concerns are not limited to individual patients. Donegal airport officials have expressed “grave concerns” over the proposed changes, emphasizing the importance of the existing timetable for both passenger needs and tourism connectivity. The airport stated that midday flights are crucial for connecting passengers from international flights to onward travel within County Donegal.
donegal Cancer Flights and Services, a support organization for patients, echoed these concerns, warning that the removal of the afternoon flight would significantly complicate same-day travel for essential care. The group fears the revised schedule could disrupt established arrangements with Dublin hospitals,jeopardizing patients’ ability to receive timely appointments and return home on the same day.
Mary Coyle of Donegal Cancer Flights and Services highlighted the practical challenges posed by early morning departures from Dublin, citing potential disruptions due to weather and the added financial burden of overnight accommodation for patients already facing notable expenses. “Many are already under severe financial strain due to leave or reliance on pensions,” she explained.
Government Response and Procurement Process
Tánaiste Harris acknowledged the concerns raised and assured Doherty he would request a direct response from Minister O’Brien. He noted that O’Brien is “continuing to monitor the operation and performance of the service” under the current contract.
Emerald Airlines, the current provider of the PSO service, declined to comment, citing the ongoing procurement process. A Department of Transport spokesperson confirmed that a public procurement process, compliant with EU regulations, is underway to ensure continued air services after February 25th. The spokesperson reiterated the government’s commitment to maintaining the route but did not directly address the specific concerns regarding timetable changes.
Passenger numbers at Donegal Airport have been steadily increasing, with 50,530 passengers recorded in 2024, a 21% increase from the 41,867 passengers in 2023. Through November 2025,the airport had already served 51,729 passengers,demonstrating the growing demand for air travel to and from the region.
An online petition calling for the protection of the afternoon flights has garnered over 10,000 signatures, underscoring the strength of public opposition to the proposed changes. The PSO route has operated with a twice-daily schedule since 2004, and the potential disruption to this long-standing service has sparked a significant outcry from the Donegal community.
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