Carlisle Airport accepts only private jets and charters at the moment but it’s a great place to start your visit to Cumbria. Within an hour of the airport by hire car you can have lost yourself in the wilds of Britain’s beautiful Lake District, walking the fells or perhaps taking a boat trip on Coniston, Windermere or Ullswater.
Carlisle itself has a lot to be seen too with its historical significance as a Roman outpost of the Empire. The city museum details the history of the city in an interesting and informative exhibition.
Carlisle Airport Mini Guide
Why Would I be Flying Into Carlisle Airport?
For a start you are likely to be a private jet owner and maybe heading to your home in the Lake District or the South of
Scotland. Or you might be part of a private charter landing at Carlisle as it’s convenient for your destination. The airport also has helicopter facilities and there’s a flight training school based there for those that want to learn to fly. The airport is close to Carlisle city centre and under an hour from most Lake District destinations.
What’s the Airport Like?
It was due to be upgraded and commercial flights started to a variety of locations across the UK and Northern
France but local objections have put plans on hold. For now it’s a functional airport that does its best for the occasional business jet user, private pilots, private charters and flying school trainees. Plans are nearly in place to open an air freight distribution centre at the airport bringing cargo flights into the airport. They are expected to commence before the end of 2012
How do I Arrange to get There?
You’d need to contact the airport to give them your travel plans. If you’re taking a private charter, the chances are that the charter company will do this for you. You can pre-book a hire car or limousine to pick you up from the apron and, if flying in on a domestic route, can leave the airport as soon as your bags are loaded. There are few permanent facilities here but the airport staff are helpful and can arrange catering, accommodation and any other requirements you may have.
And Leaving Carlisle at the end of my Stay?
Just let the airport have your travel plans and they will lodge a flight plan with ATC, refuel your plane, clean it and restock it. During any wait at the airport you can have food and drinks provided and make use of business facilities there.
Useful Links:
- Aer Arran are in talks with the airport at the moment to develop a route between Carlisle and Stobart's other airport in Southend. Ryanair have also expressed an interest in beginning flights from Carlisle to Dublin and other UK regional destinations.