Carlisle airport to resume commercial operations in July

Stobart planned to resume flights on June 4 last year. However, it announced less than a week before services were due to be restored that the launch had been postponed until September 3.

In July, Stobart announced a further delay until spring 2019, citing shortages of qualified air traffic control staff and additional regulatory approval for some construction works.

The airport has been open to general aviation traffic, but the return of commercial flight operations has been more than 25 years in the making after passenger flights ceased in 1993.

Now, it has been confirmed Loganair will operate routes to Dublin, Belfast and Southend starting July 4. Services will be operated five days a week using Saab 340 aircraft.

Kate Willard, Stobart Group head of corporate projects, said she wanted to thank the Carlisle, Cumbria and Lake District community for its patience.

"Despite the delays, we are chuffed that we are bringing commercial flights back to the region for the first time in more than 25 years,” she said.

Loganair managing director Jonathan Hinkles added: "These air services will significantly benefit the overall Carlisle and Borderlands region, attracting thousands of tourists and enhancing connectivity for those wishing to do business at both ends of the routes."