Loganair (LM, Glasgow International) has postponed the launch of its services from Carlisle, in north-western England, as Stobart Group, the airport's owner, delayed the airport's opening to September 3, 2018, due to the lack of qualified ATC personnel.
"This major project to launch air services from a new airport relies not only on the airport’s infrastructure being complete but also on a full complement of essential operational staff being in place. Regrettably, changing circumstances around staffing means that this cannot be completed in time for the airport to receive scheduled flights as planned on 4 June, despite every possible human effort being made," the Head of Corporate Projects for Stobart Group, Kate Willard, said in a prepared statement.
The airport was originally set to reopen on June 3 with Loganair's scheduled services to each of Belfast City, Dublin International, and London Southend, all operated with Saab 340B equipment.
Carlisle Lake District Airport last saw scheduled service in 1993. In anticipation of the resumption of regular flights, the airfield rebuilt its main runway 07/25 and constructed a new taxiway and terminal.
"We remain fully and wholeheartedly committed to working with all of our partners towards the new September launch date," Willard 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 in September," Loganair Managing Director Jonathan Hinkles has added.
The airport will open as planned in early June but only to general aviation operations.
