About 200 people attended a protest at Donegal Airport calling on the Government to ensure afternoon flights from and to Dublin are secured in a new Public Service Obligation contract due to come into effect later this month.
People attending the protest in An Charraig Fhinn in west Donegal, who have availed of afternoon flights for essential medical treatment in Dublin, including cancer treatments described the service as a lifeline, not a luxury.
There are fears that afternoon flights, will no longer be available from the end of the month, since Donegal Airport said it became aware of proposed timetable changes.
Mary Coyle of Donegal Cancer Flights and Services fears early morning departures from Dublin are vulnerable to weather-related disruption and late evening return flights may force many patients to pay for overnight accommodation in Dublin.
The group fears a revised schedule could jeopardise arrangements with oncology departments in Dublin hospitals that allow patients to depart in the morning, receive early hospital appointments and return home on lunchtime or early evening flights.
Ms Coyle will deliver a 12,000 strong petition, supporting the retention of afternoon flights to the north west to the Department of Transport on Wednesday.
Flights currently operate twice daily in each direction from Monday to Friday, departing from Co Donegal at 8am and 2.30pm, and from Dublin at 12.55pm and 6.50pm.
Donegal Airport told RTÉ News it became aware in mid-January, through third parties, that proposed timetable changes had been included in the airline’s tender submission.
The airport understands the proposed timetable would include 6.25am and 6.50pm departures from Dublin alongside 8am and 8.30pm departures from Co Donegal.
Ms Coyle said they are concerned of the impact changes may have on patients who must travel to Dublin for treatment, not available in the north west.
She said a PSO should exists as a government-funded social service to maintain essential regional connectivity, including access to medical care.
Read more: Concern over changes to Donegal-Dublin flight times
CSO data shows 50,530 passengers used Donegal Airport in 2024 compared to 41,867 in 2023, representing a 21% increase.
Passenger numbers continued to rise last year with the airport recording 51,729 passengers by the end of November 2025.
A Department of Transport spokesperson said a public procurement process is under way to ensure air services continue after the current contract expires on 25 February.
The department spokesperson did not directly address the concerns but said the Government is committed to ensuring the continuation of air services on the route.
A spokesperson for Emerald Airlines, who currently provide the PSO service said they are "unable to comment at this time" due to the current procurement process.
With less than three weeks left on the current PSO contract, a decision from the Department of Transport is imminent.
