The Lake District is to be served by commercial flights this summer for the first time in 25 years.
Carlisle Lake District airport is expected to be linked to Southend airport in addition to Belfast and Dublin.
Stobart Group owns Carlisle and Southend airports along with regional carrier Stobart Air which is to operate the routes.
The resumption of flights on June 3 is being supported by the Cumbria Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP), with £4.95 million to help develop the airport.
Stobart Group head of corporate projects Kate Willard said: “We look forward to working with partners in the visitor economy over these next months to help develop packages and promotions to make sure that our air services match the needs of our visitors; that we are able to attract new visitors to Cumbria and the surrounding area and that we are able to support the local economy through the development of a sustainable and really fantastic airport.”
Graham Haywood, executive director of the Cumbria LEP, said: “Carlisle Lake District airport will have a huge impact on Cumbria’s visitor economy and is also a key strategic business asset for the county.
“Cumbria Local Enterprise Partnership is investing £4.95 million to help make improvements to the airport’s runway and the terminal.
“That will enable passengers to fly from Carlisle to London, Belfast and Dublin, with onward flights to international cities.
“Increasing the numbers of high-spending international visitors is a key target within Cumbria LEP’s rural and visitor economy growth plan and will help widen the county’s international connectivity.
“Developing the airport’s passenger offer will provide smoother, quicker access to local tourism attractions and help to increase international tourism visits.”
He added: “As well as growing visitor numbers and supporting tourism businesses, development of the airport will open up more commercial industry opportunities, especially in key sectors, such as logistics, nuclear and advanced manufacturing.
“Improving key transport infrastructure facilities like the airport helps boost economic growth and can act as a catalyst for creating new business hubs and attracting private sector investment.”