Cumberland Council has approved an amended motion to secure the long-term future of Carlisle Lake District Airport, reaffirming support for the restoration of sustainable commercial passenger services.
The motion, proposed by Cllr Robert Betton (Botcherby, Independent) and seconded by Cllr Chris Wills (Upperby, Lib Dems), was widely supported by members at the meeting at The Civic Centre on Tuesday (November 3), apart from the Green councillors. Council leader Cllr Mark Fryer (St Johns and Great Clifton, Labour) proposed the amended version from the Labour group, which he described as 'pragmatic', and it was accepted by Cllr Betton.
Economic Challenges and Partnership Approach
Speaking after the amended motion was approved, Cllr Fryer said a commercial airport would benefit the area but noted: "The difficulty is the really, really, difficult economic times." He said the council would need to work together with other authorities, such as the mayoral combined authority, Westmorland & Furness Council, Scottish Borders Council and the borderlands project, because everybody had a part to play in developing the airport.
Cllr Fryer said they would also be lobbying at a Government level, adding: "I think if we can get together, sit down, and where there is a means of developing it, then it can only be positive."
Recognising the Airport's Potential
In introducing his motion, Cllr Betton said it was about recognising the potential of the airport, adding: "It does not ask the council to promise flights or commit to major spending. It asks us to work with the airport's owners and other partners to explore what is possible."
Cllr Wills said he was happy to second it, adding: "It is not about making expensive commitments or raising unrealistic expectations. It is about recognising that Carlisle Lake District Airport remains a strategic asset with the potential to support jobs, investment and economic growth across our area."
However, Cllr Jill Perry (Bothel and Wharrels, Green Party) said she felt the move would not help the council in reaching its net zero target, adding: "It's important to reach that target sooner rather than later."
Next Steps and Historical Context
Councillors agreed that the council should resolve to reaffirm its support for the long-term restoration of sustainable commercial passenger services at the airport. In addition, it will request that the future role and potential development of the airport, including opportunities to restore sustainable commercial passenger services, be considered through the council's participation in the implementation and review of the Local Transport Plan, with the council seeking to work closely with the combined authority, the Borderlands Partnership, the airport operator and other relevant partners to maximise investment, connectivity and economic opportunities for the region.
According to Cllr Betton's motion, the airport was originally established as RAF Crosby-on-Eden in 1941 and has been an important part of the area's economic and transport infrastructure for more than 80 years. The motion states: "The airport has historically provided passenger services connecting Carlisle with destinations including London, Belfast, Dublin and the Isle of Man, whilst also supporting employment, tourism and business activity across Cumbria."
Following significant investment and the opening of a new passenger terminal, scheduled commercial services returned in 2019 after a 26-year absence. "However, those services ceased during the Covid-19 pandemic in March 2020 and have not been reinstated."
The motion states that, 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. It adds: "Cumberland Council remains the landlord of the airport site and therefore has an important role in supporting its future success."
In July 2024, council leader Mark Fryer stated that he supported efforts to restore commercial flights to Carlisle and confirmed that the council would continue working with the airport's owners and partners to secure their return. The motion concludes: "It is disappointing that, despite many years of involvement from successive administrations and all major political parties across local government in Cumbria, little meaningful progress has been made towards fully realising the airport's long-term potential as a strategic transport, tourism and economic asset."
