The airport had been scheduled to reintroduce commercial services in June. However, this was delayed until September due to a shortage of qualified air traffic control staff.

Owner Stobart Group on Monday (July 9) confirmed the launch had now been put back until spring 2019, although it has reopened for general aviation.

In a statement, the group said despite “enormous progress” on its infrastructure programme, which includes a new terminal and office complex, new runway, car parks and access, the shortage of ATC staff remained a barrier to commercial operations.

The airport added some areas of the construction process would also require additional time to gain regulatory approval.

Kate Willard, Stobart Group head of corporate projects, said: “We know how much the launch of commercial flights at the airport means for Cumbria, the south of Scotland, and the Lake District.

“We have been working around the clock and physically we are ready. But it is extremely important that this major project, which will connect the region to the tourism and business hubs of London, Dublin and Belfast, is safe and operationally compliant so as to be sustainable in the long term.

“This requires both a full complement of trained and experienced operational staff being in place from commencement – to deliver a sustainable flight timetable – and also an infrastructure which fully meets regulatory requirements.

“To stress, the team have and will continue to do a completely brilliant job with regard to bottoming out all of these issues.

“The last commercial flights at Carlisle Lake District Airport were in 1993 and we remain wholeheartedly committed to working with all of our partners towards reinstating successful and sustainable services.”

A spokesperson for launch partners Logainair added: “This is hugely disappointing for everyone, especially our customers.

"We remain fully committed to our partnership with Stobart Aviation to commence regular commercial services from Carlisle Lake District Airport at a point when the airport can confirm it is ready to receive commercial flights.

“We have issued a communication to all our affected customers and have updated our website with information regarding this and the options available to them. We fully realise how very frustrating this must be for everyone and we are committed to working hard to ensure we help as much as we can given the circumstances.”