Public confidence in Carlisle Lake District Airport has been “shattered” it is claimed, as Stobart Group announced flights will not take off until next year.

Bosses have been forced to defer scheduled commercial services - for a second time - to spring 2019.

The airport is, however, due to open for general aviation this month.

Issues with air traffic control - in that training proved “more complicated” and has a validation element - as well as snagging on the runway to meet Civil Aviation Authority requirements have led to the latest set back.

Craig Winter, of Brampton, planned to be on the first flight out of the airport. Following the first delay, in May, this was something he still wanted to be a part of. Now though, he said he won’t be booking a flight until he sees the airport in operation.

“People’s confidence is going to be shattered,” Craig said. “From the first delay there was still that goodwill there and people still really wanted it to happen.

“Cancellations twice - I know my mum has booked hotels she won’t be able to get money back on and there’s going to be an awful lot of other people in that same boat.

“Even if it does go ahead, are they going to put their confidence in if they’ve already lost money? People have long memories and they don’t forget this sort of thing.”

Kate Willard, head of corporate projects at Stobart Group, said: “We are absolutely heartbroken. The whole team are absolutely devastated. We have been working ever so hard to get this over the line.”

Six air traffic controllers have been identified and are in place, but rostering and training issues mean the service wouldn’t have been sustainable.

Ms Willard explained that training is complicated and specific training is required for air traffic controllers at Carlisle, which must be validated. Strict regulations also mean training can only take place for so many hours a day.

Otherwise, the airport’s shiny new terminal is complete, with baggage carousels, security systems, a cafe, business lounge and staff all in place.

“As soon as we realised we couldn’t get it over the line - ironically we could have opened on September 3 but it wouldn’t have been a sustainable service and we need a strong, resilient, sustainable service - we reluctantly made the decision to announce it to everybody,” she said. “Practically we could get it open on September 3. What we couldn’t do, because of the rosters on air traffic control, is keep it open through the winter.”

Mr Winter understands there is always the chance of delays and things that could go wrong for such a huge operation.

He added: “They obviously have come up against some pretty big issues and if they are still trying then fair play.

“If it’s up and running and working, I’m sure we’ll give it business. I just think people need to get their confidence back in the brand and at the moment it’s not really there.

“If they released flights tomorrow, would I book them for next year? I don’t think I’d have the confidence to do that.

“Once bitten, twice shy. There will be an awful lot of people thinking exactly the same.”

Ms Willard said she has no doubt whatsoever commercial flights will be in operation next spring but she is aware that public confidence has plummeted.

“I’d like to say ‘please remain confident and remain sure and strong’, but I think that’s a big ask today because we’ve moved the opening back to next spring,” she said. “We are going to open this airport for commercial services next spring but I think I need to help build that confidence with the public and I will spend the next months doing that.”

Flights were taken offline following the announcem£ent and customers were contacted by Loganair about their options.

A spokesperson for Loganair said: “We remain fully committed to our partnership with Stobart Aviation to commence regular commercial services from Carlisle Lake District Airport at a point when the airport can confirm it is ready to receive commercial flights.

“We fully realise how very frustrating this must be for everyone and we are committed to working hard to ensure we help as much as we can given the circumstances.”