Roberta Aguirre
Carlisle Lake District Airport (IATA: CAX, ICAO: EGNC) is a small airport located 9.3 km (5.8 mi) northeast of Carlisle, England. The airport was originally opened as an RAF base and was later sold to Haughey Airports in 2000, which was then purchased and rebranded as Stobart Air Limited. While the airport does not currently operate commercial passenger flights, it offers a range of facilities and services for general aviation.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name | Carlisle Lake District Airport |
| IATA | CAX |
| ICAO | EGNC |
| Location | 5 NM (9.3 km; 5.8 mi) north-east of Carlisle, England |
| History | Originally opened as an RAF base, it came under government ownership in the 1960s before being sold to Haughey Airports in 2000. |
| Ownership | Stobart Group |
| Commercial passenger flights | No |
| Customs and excise airport | No |
| PPR | Essential for visiting the airfield |
| Services | General aviation lounge, meeting and conference facilities, hangar space, free and secure car parking, underwing camping, fuel |
| Operating hours | 9 am–5 pm local time, 7 days a week |
| Nearest major airport | Newcastle Airport (56 miles from Carlisle) |
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What You'll Learn
Carlisle Lake District Airport history
Carlisle Lake District Airport is a small airport located 5 NM (9.3 km; 5.8 mi) north-east of Carlisle, England, on a plain near the River Irthing. The airport is open to military and general aviation and offers facilities such as a general aviation lounge, meeting and conference spaces, hangar space, and free and secure car parking.
The history of Carlisle Lake District Airport dates back to the early 1930s when the City of Carlisle County Borough Council opened Kingstown Municipal Airport, which later became RAF Kingstown. With the outbreak of World War II in 1939, a new airstrip was developed at Crosby-on-Eden, east of Carlisle, as the runway at RAF Kingstown was too small for bombers. This new facility, known as RAF Crosby-on-Eden, began operation in February 1941, providing training for Hawker Hurricane pilots and long-range fighter crews.
In 1960, Cumberland County Council purchased the site and renamed it Carlisle Airport. The airport was licensed in 1961 for training purposes and civilian flights to destinations such as London, the Channel Islands, Belfast, and the Isle of Man. Over the years, the airport changed hands several times, coming under government ownership in the 1960s and then being sold to Haughey Airports in 2000. In 2004, WA Developments acquired Haughey Airports Ltd, and it was renamed Stobart Air Ltd. In 2006, the airport was rebranded as Carlisle Lake District Airport.
Between 2006 and 2009, the Stobart Group, which owned the airport, planned to introduce freight and passenger services, resurface the runway, and develop a new passenger terminal and distribution centre. In 2014, construction began on a £12 million freight distribution centre, which was completed in 2015 and leased to Eddie Stobart Logistics. In July 2019, a new terminal was opened, briefly connecting Carlisle with commercial flights to Belfast, Dublin, and London. However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, commercial flights ceased operating in April 2020. Since its partial reopening, the airport operates unlicensed and welcomes general aviation aircraft and military exercises.
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Commercial flights from Carlisle Airport
Carlisle Lake District Airport is a small airport located 5.8 miles northeast of Carlisle, England. The airport was originally opened as an RAF base and came under government ownership in the 1960s before being sold to private owners in 2000.
In 2019, a new terminal was opened, briefly connecting Carlisle with commercial flights to Belfast, Dublin, and London. However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, commercial flights ceased operating in 2020, and the airport lost its licence to run commercial passenger flights in 2023. Despite the loss of its licence, the airport remains open for other operations and continues to function seven days a week as a non-licensed aerodrome for general aviation and military manoeuvres. The airport also operates an aviation lounge, meeting and conference facilities, and offers hangar space and free parking.
There have been recent discussions about the potential return of commercial flights to Carlisle Lake District Airport. In July 2024, council leaders revealed that there had been talks with potential buyers interested in bringing commercial aviation back to the airport. These discussions highlighted the potential economic benefits of having commercial flights to and from Carlisle. It remains to be seen whether these discussions will lead to the reinstatement of commercial flights at the airport.
As of now, there are no commercial flights operating from Carlisle Lake District Airport. However, the airport is still a hub for general aviation and military activities, and it is open 9 am-5 pm local time, seven days a week. While there may be hopes for the return of commercial flights in the future, no specific details or timelines have been provided.
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Military use of Carlisle Airport
Carlisle Lake District Airport, located 5.8 miles northeast of Carlisle, England, was originally opened as an RAF base. It came under government ownership in the 1960s and was renamed Carlisle Airport in 1960 when it was purchased by Cumberland County Council. The airport was then licensed in 1961 for training purposes and civilian flights to destinations such as London, the Channel Islands, and Belfast. During the early 1980s, Carlisle Airport was used by Specialist Flight Training to train military pilots in helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft. This included the training of Iraqi pilots for the Iran-Iraq War.
In 2000, Carlisle Airport was sold to Haughey Airports, which was later purchased and rebranded as Stobart Air Limited. The Stobart Group acquired the airport in May 2009 and constructed a freight distribution center. In July 2019, a new terminal was opened, allowing commercial flights to Belfast, Dublin, and London. However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, commercial flights ceased operating in April 2020.
Since its partial reopening after the pandemic, Carlisle Airport has operated unlicensed and welcomes general aviation aircraft. It continues to be host to several military exercises throughout the year and is open to military and general aviation. The airport offers facilities such as a general aviation lounge, meeting and conference rooms, hangar space, and free and secure car parking.
Carlisle Airport has a rich history, including its use by the United States Army Air Forces during World War II as an auxiliary airfield for training medium bomber and transport pilots. The original RAF structures remain intact, although a lack of investment has restricted some areas, such as the perimeter road and runway length. Despite some challenges and changes in ownership over the years, the airport remains an important aviation hub for military exercises and general aviation in the region.
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Airports near Carlisle, UK
There is indeed an airport in Carlisle, UK. Carlisle Lake District Airport (CAX) is a small airport located 5 NM (9.3 km; 5.8 mi) north-east of Carlisle. The airport is open to military and general aviation but does not operate commercial passenger flights. It offers a general aviation lounge, meeting and conference facilities, hangar space, free and secure car parking, and underwing camping. Fuel is also available on request.
Historically, Carlisle Lake District Airport was opened as an RAF base and came under government ownership in the 1960s. It was then sold to Haughey Airports in 2000, which was later purchased and rebranded as Stobart Air Limited. In 2009, Stobart Group purchased the airport and constructed a freight distribution center. In July 2019, a new terminal was opened that briefly connected Carlisle with commercial flights to Belfast, Dublin, and London. However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, commercial flights ceased operating in April 2020.
In terms of other nearby airports, Newcastle Airport (NCL) is the nearest major airport with international and domestic flights, located 56 miles from Carlisle. Durham Tees Valley Airport (MME) is another major airport located 83 miles from Carlisle. Blackpool International Airport (BLK), Edinburgh Airport (EDI), and Glasgow International Airport (GLA) are also within a reasonable distance, all being approximately 100-100 miles away. For those seeking international flights, the closest airport is Isle of Man Airport (IOM), located 147 miles from Carlisle.
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Hotels near Carlisle Airport
Carlisle Lake District Airport is a small airport located 5 NM (9.3 km; 5.8 mi) north-east of Carlisle, England. The airport does not operate commercial passenger flights but is open to military and general aviation. There are many hotels near the airport, with rooms to suit a range of budgets.
KAYAK users have found double rooms near the airport for as cheap as £55, with an average price of £102. In the last 72 hours, rooms have been found for tonight from £79, with 3-star hotels from £115 and 4-star hotels from £79. For the weekend, prices are even lower, with rooms from £65 per night, 3-star hotels from £85, and 4-star hotels from £65.
Popular choices among KAYAK users include The Queens, Warwick Hall, and Warwick Lodge. Expedia also offers a 3.5-star hotel with free breakfast, WiFi, and parking, and a 4-star business-friendly hotel with free WiFi, parking, and 2 bars/lounges.
In addition to hotels, there are several attractions near the airport, including Lanercost Priory, The Citadel, Carlisle Cathedral, and Carlisle Castle.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, there is an airport in Carlisle, the Carlisle Lake District Airport (IATA: CAX, ICAO: EGNC). It is located 9.3 km (5.8 miles) northeast of Carlisle, England.
No, the Carlisle Lake District Airport does not currently operate commercial passenger flights. It is open to military and general aviation. In July 2019, the airport briefly connected Carlisle with commercial flights to Belfast, Dublin, and London, but these operations ceased in April 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Here are some major airports near Carlisle, UK, along with their approximate distance:
- Newcastle Airport (56 miles)
- Durham Tees Valley Airport (83 miles)
- Blackpool International Airport (101 miles)
- Edinburgh Airport (103 miles)
- Glasgow International Airport (103 miles)
