I flew out to Faro from Derry on Mon 6th July and back on Mon 13th July
Both flights where jammed with Ryanair placing hand luggage free in the hold as there was no room on board. They arranged this at check-in time. I also noticed they had scrapped the empty seats at the front of the aircraft rule, all seats where occupied.
The Alicante and Faro flights end next week, such a loss and disappointment for Derry this year, not to mention the loss of the charter flights.
I have flown Derry - Faro twice before in the past, once early October 2011 and once mid Sept 2013, both jammed out and back as well.
The last flight out to Faro is on Thursday 30th July, with no return, it has some cracker prices if you don't mind coming back via another airport. Currently £41 if you take hand luggage only. Was £35 until yesterday.
More worryingly, I have heard from a source at airport that Ryanair where for pulling Alicante and Faro totally this year but only did June/July after loads of persuasion from the council.