Aer Arann has launched a new direct service from Glasgow Airport to Donegal.

The service will operate four days per week, replacing the airline’s current Glasgow Prestwick route to Donegal. Flights are on sale now with fares starting from £37 one way including taxes. The service will begin operating on March 28th.

This is the latest development for Aer Arann following the recent announcement that the airline has signed a franchise agreement with Aer Lingus to operate 12 routes between Ireland and the UK under the brand “Aer Lingus Regional”.

Donegal Airport opens up the North-West of Ireland for the leisure and business traveller. Located at Carrickfinn, Kincasslagh, the airport is approximately 15 minutes drive from Dungloe and Gweedore, 45 mins from Letterkenny and 1 hour from Donegal Town. Donegal Airport is situated on the west coast in the area of the Rosses/Gweedore, just 50 minutes flying time from Glasgow Airport.

Welcoming the new route Aer Arann Corporate Affairs Director Andrew Kelly said: “Donegal and Glasgow have a strong connection and we are responding to popular customer demand by introducing this new link. The Donegal service will further enhance our presence at the airport following the announcement of our Cork-Glasgow route under the Aer Lingus Regional franchise. We look forward to welcoming both existing and new passengers on board all of our services in the coming weeks and months”.

Amanda McMillan, Managing Director of Glasgow Airport, said: "This is fantastic news from Aer Arann as the Irish market is hugely important for Scottish business and tourism.

"This new link to the bustling and beautiful county of Donegal, following the news that Aer Arann and Aer Lingus are joining forces to offer enhanced services to Cork and Dublin, highlights the strong demand for increased air travel between Scotland and Ireland.

"This is good news for business and tourism on both sides of the Irish Sea, and underlines our determination to improve connectivity between our two countries. We are pleased to welcome Aer Arann to Glasgow's airport, and look forward to working with them to enhance air links between Scotland and Ireland."

Scott Taylor, Chief Executive of Glasgow City Marketing Bureau, added: "The new service from Donegal has a clear fit with friends and family hopping between Donegal and Glasgow, and with events like the World Irish Dancing championships taking place in the city this year, it’s a perfect opportunity to bring the whole family to experience a major event celebrating the cultural links between the Celts.

"In addition, with such a strong sporting, retail and night life on offer in Glasgow, we look forward to welcoming 2,500 tourists spending £350,000 in the city in the forthcoming year."

For further details on schedule times, great value special offers and to make a booking visit www.AerArann.com