Flights to and from Carlisle Lake District airport, which were due to start next week, have been delayed until 3 September due to a shortage of air traffic control staff.
Airport owner Stobart Group had announced that Loganair would operate routes to Dublin, Belfast and Southend from 4 June, but the company said yesterday that the opening would have to be postponed until more air traffic control staff became available.
The staff shortage is a growing problem across the globe, according to Stobart Group.
Kate Willard, head of corporate projects at Stobart Group, said: “It is with enormous regret that we must advise that the launch of scheduled services from Carlisle Lake District airport has been delayed.
“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.”
Until its official launch, the airport will open for general aviation traffic only, which requires fewer air traffic controllers than required for scheduled commercial services.
Jonathan Hinkles, managing director of Loganair, commented: “This is hugely disappointing for everyone, especially our customers. We remain full committed to our partnership with Stobart Aviation to commence regular commercial services from Carlisle Lake District in September.”
Loganair says it is contacting passengers who bought tickets for the summer and providing them with the option of a full refund or alternative flights from Manchester or Glasgow.
loganair.co.uk; carlisleairport.co.uk