TRAVEL to Donegal brings with it opportunities to take advantage of a whole host of attractions. For some it is the chance to visit family, for others a jaunt up Mount Errigal or a day among the waves at Muff, but amongst a seemingly endless list of distractions tucked away all across the county, Donegal Airport (above) has once again been picked out as one of the world’s top travel experiences.
The annual PrivateFly poll which identifies the world’s most scenic airports has seen Donegal Airport lift the coveted title for the second year running, marking it out as one of the select few airports where ‘window or aisle?’ is not just an idle request, given the demand for an uninterrupted view on landing. The celebrated company which Donegal Airport emerged from as winner from includes destinations such as Scotland’s very own Barra Airport—in second place—Nice, Orlando, Aosta and St Maarten, and with direct flights from Glasgow with LoganAir it’s not only an iconic landing but also one which the Irish community in Scotland is familiar with.
PrivateFly teamed up with a panel of travel experts to form the shortlist before the public vote, including travel writers Nigel Tisdall and Francesca Street; and aviation experts Johnny Jet and Doug Gollan.
“Some airports offer an aerial view that becomes reason enough to visit in itself—never mind what attractions await on the ground,” said Adam Twidell, CEO of PrivateFly and himself an experienced pilot. “Our Scenic Airports poll presents a bucket list for travel fans, offering a mix of global descents to tick off in your lifetime. Some of these destinations are rapidly acquiring iconic status with aviation enthusiasts as a result.
“Donegal’s rugged coastal landscapes are truly awe-inspiring as you come into land. There is simply nowhere else like it, and its popularity with global travellers is clear.”
Among the comments submitted in favour of the Carrickfinn Airport alongside the poll were those which praised the rugged landscape on the approach to the runway.
“The view is spectacular,” said one voter. “Mountains on one side and a beautiful rugged coastline dotted with islands and golden sandy beaches running adjacent to the runway,” while another spoke about the natural beauty, saying: “There is nowhere as lovely as the wild rugged beauty of unspoiled Donegal.”
The accolade is one which Donegal Airport are proud of, delighting not only in opening up Donegal to visitors but also in giving them a taste of the natural beauty the county has to offer before they even touch down.
“We are delighted to retain this acclaim as the ‘World’s Most Scenic Airport Landing 2019,’ having been voted No.1 airport landing for the second year running,” Anne Bonner, Managing Director of Donegal Airport, said. “It is indeed a great endorsement from the travelling public and aviation and travel experts. Donegal Airport is located in the heart of the Northern Headlands in Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way—now top of the world’s places to visit.”
Speaking about the regular air traffic between Glasgow and Donegal, Pauline Sweeney, Marketing Manager of Donegal Airport, told The Irish Voice: “The Glasgow service is a key part of Donegal Airport’s business and the route is strongly supported, in fact it has become a life-line for many of the Donegal diaspora in Glasgow and other Scottish regions.
“The Donegal-Glasgow route also provides onward connections at Glasgow to points within Loganair’s extensive route network in the Highlands and Islands including Stornoway, Islay, Campbeltown, Tiree and Benbecula. This will enable customers to make a single booking from any of these airports to Donegal—saving money and adding convenience to travel arrangements.”
