Cumberland Council Backs Move To Bring Commercial Flights Back To Carlisle Airport
Plans to restore commercial passenger flights at Carlisle Lake District Airport have received renewed support after Cumberland Council approved an amended motion.
The proposal was discussed at a Cumberland Council meeting held at The Civic Centre on Tuesday, 3 November 2026. Councillor Robert Betton, an Independent representative for Botcherby, originally introduced the motion, which was seconded by Councillor Chris Wills, a Liberal Democrat representing Upperby. The proposal attracted widespread support from councillors, although members of the Green Party raised concerns. Council leader Councillor Mark Fryer subsequently introduced an amended version on behalf of the Labour group, describing it as a pragmatic approach. Councillor Betton accepted the changes, allowing the revised motion to proceed.
The approved motion reaffirms the council's support for restoring sustainable commercial passenger services at the airport over the longer term. It also establishes a framework for exploring the site's future development through discussions with regional partners and the airport operator. Importantly, the decision does not commit the council to guaranteeing the return of flights or providing substantial public funding. Instead, it focuses on identifying realistic opportunities, encouraging investment and assessing how the airport could contribute to the wider economy of Cumbria and neighbouring areas.
Speaking after the decision, Councillor Fryer acknowledged that a functioning commercial airport could bring considerable benefits to the region. However, he also highlighted the financial challenges involved in developing the facility during difficult economic conditions. He explained that Cumberland Council could not approach the issue in isolation and would need to work with other authorities and organisations to explore potential opportunities. His comments indicated that cooperation, rather than an immediate commitment to major expenditure, would be central to the council's approach.
Councillor Fryer identified several organisations that could play an important role in the airport's future, including the mayoral combined authority, Westmorland and Furness Council, Scottish Borders Council and the Borderlands Partnership. These organisations represent areas with economic, transport and tourism connections to Carlisle. Working together could help establish a broader regional case for investment and improved connectivity. The council also intends to raise the issue with the Government, recognising that national-level support may be important when considering the long-term development of the airport.
Councillor Betton said his original motion was intended to recognise the airport's potential rather than demand immediate financial commitments. He explained that the proposal asked the council to engage with the airport's owners and other partners to investigate what could realistically be achieved. This distinction was important in securing agreement on the amended motion, as councillors were being asked to support further exploration and cooperation rather than promise that commercial flights would definitely return. The approach leaves room for discussions about investment, demand and operational possibilities.
Councillor Wills also supported the proposal, describing Carlisle Lake District Airport as a strategic asset with the potential to contribute to employment, investment and economic growth. He stressed that the motion should not create unrealistic expectations or lead to expensive commitments without proper consideration. His support reflected the argument that the airport's existing infrastructure and geographical position could provide opportunities for businesses and communities across the region if a sustainable commercial operation could eventually be established.
Not all councillors agreed with the direction of the proposal. Councillor Jill Perry, representing Bothel and Wharrels for the Green Party, questioned whether efforts to restore commercial passenger flights would support Cumberland Council's environmental commitments. She raised particular concerns about the council's net zero target and argued that achieving it sooner rather than later was important. Her intervention highlighted the need to consider environmental objectives alongside potential economic and transport benefits when assessing the airport's future role.
The airport has a long history in the Carlisle area, having originally been established as RAF Crosby-on-Eden in 1941. It has subsequently formed part of the region's transport and economic infrastructure for more than eight decades. Over the years, passenger services have connected Carlisle with destinations including London, Belfast, Dublin and the Isle of Man. These routes provided travel options for residents and businesses while also supporting tourism and commercial activity across Cumbria.
Commercial passenger operations returned in 2019 following significant investment and the opening of a new passenger terminal. The return of scheduled services came after a 26-year absence, creating renewed expectations about the airport's potential contribution to regional connectivity. However, the arrival of the Covid-19 pandemic brought another major disruption to the aviation industry. Passenger services at Carlisle ceased in March 2020 and have not subsequently been reinstated, leaving the airport without its previous scheduled commercial connections.
Ownership and management arrangements also form an important part of the airport's current position. In May 2024, the airport came under the control of the AW Jenkinson Group, which committed to maintaining the site as an aerodrome and investing in its future development. Cumberland Council remains the landlord of the airport site, giving the local authority an ongoing interest in how the facility is used and developed. This relationship also provides a basis for discussions between the council, the operator and other regional partners.
The council's renewed support follows earlier statements by Councillor Fryer in July 2024, when he expressed support for efforts to restore commercial flights and confirmed that the authority would continue working with the airport's owners and partners. However, the latest motion acknowledges that meaningful progress towards achieving the airport's full potential has remained limited despite involvement from successive council administrations and political parties across Cumbria. Councillors are now seeking a more coordinated approach to move discussions forward.
Under the amended motion, the future role and potential development of Carlisle Lake District Airport will be considered through Cumberland Council's participation in the implementation and review of the Local Transport Plan. The authority will also seek to work closely with the combined authority, Borderlands Partnership, airport operator and other relevant organisations. The intention is to identify opportunities to improve regional connectivity, attract investment and support economic development, while examining whether sustainable commercial passenger services could become viable again.
The decision does not establish a timetable for the return of scheduled flights, nor does it confirm that airlines have committed to operating from Carlisle. Further discussions will be required to assess the commercial, financial and operational conditions necessary for passenger services to resume. For residents, businesses and tourism organisations across Cumbria, the renewed political support nevertheless represents an important development in the debate over the airport's future. The next stage will depend on whether the council and its partners can turn the agreed commitment into practical investment and development opportunities.
For further local news, community updates and story tips, contact news@lakelandpost.co.uk or 0333 090 2080.