Donegal Airport is assessing legal advice following the Department of Transport's decision to sign a new Donegal-Dublin Public Service Obligation contract that removes midday flight rotation, a decision that had caused much angst in the northwest.
Donegal Airport Chairman Garry Martin said the way in which the process was conducted was "very unfair" on the airport and customers.
"The purpose of a PSO is to provide connectivity for the customers in the area that don’t have that connectivity. We feel, unfortunately, that this PSO doesn’t meet that requirement," he said.
"The Department of Transport has committed to a review after three months of the ongoing performance of the route.
"As a board, we are currently taking legal advice in relation to that because it’s quite unprecedented."
The airport board expects to conclude its review in the coming days, when it will notify both customers and the Department of Transport.
Yesterday, Minister for Transport Darragh O'Brien confirmed his department will proceed with a new contract for the Donegal-Dublin PSO route with Emerald Airlines.
The current schedule operates most days with morning and afternoon departures from Donegal, and lunchtime and evening return flights from Dublin; however, the planned schedule includes morning departures and evening return flights from both locations.
Donegal Cancer Flights and Services expressed concern that the removal of the midday rotation will cut off a "medical lifeline" and "genuine same-day access" for cancer patients and others.
Minister O'Brien said the air route will be kept under "weekly review" amid concern about impacts on cancer treatments.
The minister said there had to be independent public procurement processes and added that he wants to ensure flights continue beyond the end of the existing contract.
He has committed to meeting representatives from Donegal Cancer Flights and Services but said he could not engage today, when they deliver a 15,000 strong petition at Leinster House as he will be in London, attending the British-Irish Council.
Mr Martin said the airport had been in contact with the Department of Transport on numerous occasions since October 2025, primarily to plan what it thought would be a continuation of the existing terms of the PSO.
Airport management learned on 13 January, through airline crews discussing roster changes, that aircraft would no longer be based overnight in Donegal under the new contract.
"It’s not a way to do business. It’s very unfair on the airport. More than most, it’s very unfair on the customers we’re trying to serve," Mr Martin said.
Donegal Airport said it repeatedly sought discussions with department officials during the tender process but was told since October 2025 that talks could only occur after the contract was signed.
The board highlighted that department officials have known since October 2025 that the tender proposed major changes, including ending overnight aircraft basing at Donegal Airport after 21 years.
The airport stressed these concerns were raised in written submissions prior to the tender and reinforced in meetings with officials throughout early and mid 2025.
It described the loss of the midday flight as "inexplicable", as it said, the airport serves business, health, and tourism passengers and had performed well year-round.
A spokesperson for the Department of Transport said the contract that has been awarded to Emerald Airlines demonstrates the Government's continued commitment to maintaining vital connectivity to the northwest.
"These subsidised air services will provide people and businesses in the northwest with daily air links to Dublin, enabling access to medical appointments and other essential services, as well as onward international travel.
"The early morning flight departing from Donegal and the evening return flight from Dublin, which is relied on by many, including critical care patients, to ensure a daily round trip to Dublin, will continue to be facilitated.
"In addition, under the new schedule which will commence on 29 March 2026, a same-day return service will now be available to passengers travelling from Dublin Airport.
"A new evening service from Donegal Airport will replace the afternoon service and the first departure from Dublin will commence at an earlier time which will facilitate a return daily service for passengers travelling from Dublin."
The spokesperson added that the department "will closely monitor the performance of the new schedule".
'We rely on this service' - cancer patient
A delegation from Donegal Cancer Flights and Services left Donegal Airport at 8am, to present a 15,000 strong petition to the Government at Leinster House.
Before boarding the flight, Cáitlín Griffin from Gaoth Dobhair, who was diagnosed with ovarian cancer in 2022 said the service is vital, as she availed of it to attend St James's Hospital in Dublin.
"The afternoon flight is vital. If you go up in the morning. They work with people to get early appointments so they can get the afternoon flight home.
"There was one time my appointment ran over, and I couldn’t get the afternoon flight home. It was horrendous, trying to sit somewhere where you could be warm.
Watch: Cáitlín Griffin reflects on 'vital' importance of the service
"We don’t have any other transportation. Sitting in a car for eight hours isn't right. We rely on this service. It’s mind boggling."
Declan Ferry from Dobhar, who has had cancer twice, said he availed of the afternoon flights, adding that it’s been "such a relief for me, taking away the stress".
"Going for treatment, coming out with chemotherapy and you’re not feeling great, but it’s great to jump on a flight and come down home within an hour…It’s really unfortunate."
Parish Priest of Gaoth Dobhair Fr Brian Ó Fearraigh said Donegal Cancer Flights and Services is angered with how the situation has been handled.
"Cancer patients are using this service. It’s a lifeline for them. We want to make that very clear. It’s a contract of almost €20 million.
"People are angered, that this whole process was carried out without due consultation with those who use the service most...the public service obligation is there to serve the people."
