A flight from Athens was given a last minute warm welcome when it landed at Southend Airport yesterday in an unexpected visit.

As severe temperatures caused issues and flight cancellations at other London airports, The Sky Express plane arrived in Southend direct from Athens last night.

Read more >>> M25 closed in south Essex as demonstrators climb sign in climate protest

This replaced its usual service to London Heathrow, which has seen passengers affected by travel disruption as it copes with demand and staff shortages.

The Greek Airbus 320 NEO received a warm welcome as the London Southend Airport team pitched in at the last minute to support the unexpected guest and its passengers.

Read more >>> Officers find discarded weapon as new knife poles used in Southend High Street

A spokesman for London Southend Airport said after the landing: “Happy to report that the Sky Express arrived safely at London Southend Airport direct from Greece earlier this evening for their first visit.

“Let’s hope it’s not the last.”