SOUTHEND Airport is stopping at nothing to bounce back from Covid-19, by launching a new route which will kick off from the end of August.

Holiday-goers can expect to be able to fly to Norway from August 31, with airline Widerøe beginning a new service to Bergen.

Bergen, which is known as one of the happiest places in the world, is Norway’s second largest city and is said to offer an adventurous retreat but has the feeling of a small town.

Christian Skaug, Commercial Director at Widerøe, said: “We are strengthening our focus on Bergen as a hub for traffic throughout the country.

“With this new route we continue to build on the network Widerøe has developed in and around Bergen and Western Norway in recent years.

“We start cautiously, but if we see that the offer is well received, we will consider adding more weekly departures.”

Escape seekers will hop on the new Embraer 190-E2 jet to get there -one of the market’s most environmentally friendly jets in this class. It holds up to 144 passengers.

With a one hour 50-minute flight, this fast connection is set to quickly whizz passengers straight to Norway ready to start their holiday.

Bergen has hillsides perfect for hiking, stunning fjords and mountains and holiday-goers can also explore the cobbled streets and colourful buildings, seafood markets, art exhibits and museums.

Flights will run twice a week and, if successful, more will be considered.

Glyn Jones, CEO of Stobart Aviation, said: “We are pleased to offer this new route to one of Europe’s most stunning cities.

“A further eight connections also become available from this destination, allowing easy connectivity across Norway.

“London Southend Airport is extremely accessible, boasts excellent customer service and has been ranked London’s best airport by consumer group Which?”