Aer Southeast is to refund its customers and will not be able to begin operating on its planned launch date.

The company is hoping to run flights between Waterford and London, Manchester & Birmingham, and the first services had been planned for July 24th.

It was announced last month, however, that the new airline had to stop selling tickets for flights after only a day.

The Commission for Aviation Regulation (CAR) confirmed the company had been selling tickets without the required tour operator licence.

The airline now says it hopes to have its maiden flight "later on this summer".

In a statement, Aer Southeast Einar Adalsteinsson explained: “Aer Southeast remains fully committed to operating flights between Waterford, London-Luton, Manchester and Birmingham, and we will work closely with CAR in the coming weeks to ensure that the correct licensing system is put in place.

“I want to personally thank the very significant number of customers who booked with us on our opening day and those who supported us through our recent difficulties, particularly the management team at Waterford Airport."

Waterford Airport, meanwhile, said it regrets that services will not be able to operate on July 24th - but welcomed the airline's decision to refund customers.

"Waterford Airport looks forward to working closely with Aer Southeast once the company has acquired the correct licence," airport management said in a statement.