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Passenger flights to resume at Carlisle after 25 years

Carlisle Lake District Airport will start passenger flights for the first time in 25 years, when Scottish carrier Loganair begins a new service on July 4.

Tickets went on sale today, connecting the airport with Southend, Belfast City and Dublin.

Describing itself as the gateway to the Lake District National Park, the Pennines, southwest Scotland and the Border regions, the airport is six miles east of Carlisle.

The five-times-a-week Dublin flights will cost from £44.99 one way.

Vincent Harrison, Dublin airport managing director, said: “The Lake District is a stunningly beautiful area in the UK and we are delighted to add it as a new destination to our route network.

“I have no doubt that this new route will be popular in both directions for Irish and British customers. We will work closely with Loganair to promote its new service.”

Dublin airport’s US pre-clearance facilities offer British passengers the opportunity to use Dublin as a gateway to the US.

Kay Ryan, Loganair commercial director, added: “There is huge demand for passengers in Ireland to visit Carlisle, which is home to major engineering, manufacturing and logistics industries and serves as a gateway to the Lake District, a Unesco World Heritage site.

“We also anticipate strong interest from passengers in Carlisle and the Scottish Borderlands area who are eager to spend time in Ireland.”

The Belfast service will operate five times a week and fares start at £39.99 one-way, while flights from Southend will operate four times a week, from £44.99 one-way.

Southend airport said in a tweet: “We can’t wait to fly to @CarlisleAirport from 4 July with @FlyLoganair! Exploring the sights of the Lake District and south Scotland has never been so easy from London.”

Airport owner Stobart Group had planned to relaunch services in June 2018, but faced problems in recruiting air traffic control staff.

Passenger flights stopped in 1993, although the airport has remained a base for private aircraft, flying schools and the military.

Kate Willard, head of corporate projects at Stobart Group, told the BBC: “I would like to thank the people of Carlisle, Cumbria and the Lake District and our partners for their patience.

“Despite the delays we are chuffed that we are bringing commercial flights back to the region for the first time in more than 25 years.”

Gill Haigh, Cumbria Tourism managing director, added: “The flights will open up new markets and give potential visitors new alternative transport options to come and explore iconic landscapes and experiences throughout Cumbria.”

More: Loganair boss expresses ‘huge disappointment’ with Carlisle Lake District airport delays

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