PPE vending machines and hand sanitizers every 20 paces will welcome back passengers to Southend Airport.

The airport has made huge preparations to keep passengers safe when governments of the world allow more people to fly after the Covid-19 pandemic.

The first passenger flight is set to depart from the airport to Lithuania tomorrow, and then a phased return to more flights is set to come in over the summer.

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For the passengers that do decide to travel, they must all wear face masks once they enter the airport terminal, with big yellow signs displaying this throughout.

Echo:

Staying safe! - hand sanitiser zones with a PPE vending machine

Upon entering, there will be a Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) vending machine, which will be operating on a non-profit basis, where people can buy face masks and other items.

The check-in system has been spaced out, with each counter fitted with perspex glass and individual hand gels to protect staff.

Travellers will be encouraged to check-in online and scan e-tickets on their phones, to avoid constant touching of surfaces.

As passengers go through the airport, they will never be more than 20 paces away from a handwashing station.

When going through security, the airport has installed thermal cameras to check people’s temperatures, and passengers will be allowed to keep laptops, electronics and liquids inside of their bags to avoid more surface touching.

In the departure lounge, all restaurants will remain closed for the time being, with the shops that are open operating with social distancing measures.

When food outlets do open, they will be takeaway only.

All passengers will have 17 square metres between them.

Glyn Jones, CEO of the airport, said: “An honest thing to say to people is that everyone has to make their own assessment of risk, because risk is different for different people.

“People do have to think about it from their own point of view and I don’t think anyone could criticise them for that, it’s perfectly normal.

“This airport is the only one in London that didn’t require additional safety measures. The Greek government – we don’t have that much traffic to Greece – but the government said it would be the only airport where you could fly to Greece from and not go into quarantine.

“Nothing’s perfectly safe, it just can’t be, there’s no such thing. But relative to others it’s the safest airport in London, so come and use us and feel as though you can be confident, within reason, when you’re here.”