🇬🇧 Carlisle Lake District Airport

Carlisle Lake District Airport (IATA: CAX, ICAO: EGNC) is a small private airport located 6 miles (10 km) northeast of Carlisle, Cumbria, England.

Type of Facility and Operations: The airport operates as a gateway for general aviation and military aircraft in Cumbria. It is open daily from 9 am to 5 pm local time. It has two asphalt runways, 06-24 and 01-19, with runway 06-24 having lighting available during operational hours. Air-Ground Communication Service is available on weekdays, with pilots using blind calls on frequency 123.605 outside these hours. Fuel (Avgas, JetA1, and F34) is available during operating hours. The airport also hosts flight training and sightseeing flights.

Notable Features or History: Originally opened as an RAF base in 1941, designated RAF Crosby-on-Eden, it was used for training purposes during World War II. After the war, it became a municipal airport and was later purchased by Cumberland County Council in 1960 and renamed Carlisle Airport. In 2000, it was sold to Haughey Airports, which invested in infrastructure improvements. Stobart Group acquired the airport in 2009 and constructed a £12 million freight distribution center. A new terminal was opened in 2019, briefly offering scheduled passenger flights to Belfast, Dublin, and London, but these ceased in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The airport also hosts the Solway Aviation Museum. The Royal Netherlands Air Force has used the airport as a base for their annual "Tac Blaze" low-flying exercise since 2006.

Current Status: Since 2024, Carlisle Lake District Airport has been owned and operated by the forest products company A.W. Jenkinson. The terminal building, car park, and café are currently closed to the public until July 15. The airfield is also closed to visiting aircraft during this period. It operates unlicensed and welcomes general aviation aircraft, in addition to hosting military exercises.

*Sources researched: carlisleairport.co.uk, en.wikipedia.org*