Regional connectivity should be one of the priorities the Government looks after when the country recovers from coronavirus, a leading logistics boss said.

Carlisle airport, owned by Stobart Group, and operator Loganair suspended all flights to Belfast and London Southend this week.

The route to Dublin was suspended last week as Loganair slashed all its routes across the UK in response to Covid-19.

Kate Willard, director of partnership development at Stobart Group, said: “The safety of our staff and our customers is at the forefront of our mind.

“There has not been an announcement from the Government yet – and understandably as the situation changes every hour – to talk about support for the aviation industry, but the last thing the Government will want on the other side of this is a damaged regional infrastructure.

“We are hopeful that there will be support and we are positive that the aviation industry will survive coronavirus.

“I must pay tribute to the staff at the airport who have all been brilliant and we’ve spoken to our partners too, who have also been really supportive.

“This crisis has shown that we are pulling together, looking after our neighbours and caring for others, none more so than in Cumbria.

“We are committed to Cumbria.

“Our aviation portfolio is critical to Stobart Group and we are committed to Carlisle airport and its future.”

Simon Williamson, managing director of Carlisle Lake District Airport, said: “The unprecedented situation that we are all facing is having a major impact, with the Government advising against all unnecessary travel.

“This decision reflects that important advice. Our priority must continue to be the health, safety and wellbeing of our employees, guests and the local community.

Loganair has updated its website with all relevant information and those affected are advised to visit www.loganair.co.uk instead.

Loganair cut more than 50 per cent of its flights and Jonathan Hinkles, chief executive, said at the time that forward bookings had fallen by 75 per cent.