Carlisle Lake District airport has suspended all scheduled flights
from 27 March until further notice as a result of the coronavirus impact.
Services to Southend and Belfast City will cease operating following
the suspension of flights to Dublin last week. Operator Loganair said all
customers will be informed by email, with fares refunded automatically.
The Scottish airline, which is the sole operator at the
newly re-opened Carlisle airport, had already reduced its flight schedule by more
than half in April and May as a result of a drop in demand due to Covid-19.
Simon Williamson, MD of Carlisle Lake District airport,
said: “The unprecedented situation that we are all facing is having a major
impact, with government advising against all unnecessary travel. This decision
reflects that important advice. Our priority must continue to be the health,
safety and wellbeing of our employees, guests and the local community.”
Loganair CEO Jonathan Hinkles said the carrier has asked
staff to take measures such as reducing working hours by 20 per cent and
accepting a 20 per cent reduction in salary or taking unpaid leave.
Hinkles added: “We are working hard to avoid redundancies
and lay-offs as have already been seen at major international airlines and as
are likely to follow at several UK airlines in the coming days.”