A new route has been launched from Southend Airport... and wine lovers and foodies should be excited.

Flyone will begin flying passengers to and from the Moldova capital Chişinău from July 19.

Flights will operate twice a week; on Tuesdays and Fridays. 

Chişinău is known as Moldova's wine and food-loving capital, which has origins dating back six centuries, to 1420.

It is Flyone's 12th route to be launched, after the airline was established in 2016.

Mircea Maleca, general director of Flyone, said: "By launching direct flights to London, Flyone intends to offer new horizons to passengers and the opportunity to visit their families and friends as often as possible.

"We appreciate this collaboration with London Southend Airport, and are convinced that together we will offer passengers a safe, comfortable and affordable flight alternative."

Glyn Jones, chief executive officer of Stobart Aviation, owners of London Southend Airport, said: “London Southend is delighted to welcome Flyone passengers to our rapidly growing airport.

"Passengers will be able to take advantage of our fast and efficient terminal and excellent transport links, including a train station next to the airport offering regular trains to the centre of London in under an hour."

Tickets can be booked at www.flyone.md, with prices starting from €69 one-way.

Meanwhile, the first plane between Southend and Sofia took off yesterday.

Flights to the Bulgarian capital are now operating every Sunday and Wednesday.

The new Easy Jet route is expected to carry more than 11,000 passengers this winter.

Ali Gayward, UK country manager at Easy Jet, said: “We are absolutely delighted to announce the inaugural flight of Easy Jet’s new route between London Southend and Sofia – a route which is expected to be popular amongst those looking to enjoy a short city break in one of the most stunning and historic cities in Europe.

"The continued expansion of Easy Jet’s operations at London Southend reinforces its position as Europe’s leading airline and its commitment to providing passengers with a greater range of destinations.

"EasyJet has now been at Southend for over six years and this new route plays a key role in its overall expansion strategy, offering both low fares and great service.”

One-way tickets start from £24.68 per person, including taxes and charges, and can be booked at www.easyjet.com.