MAJOR concerns have been raised that Ryanair’s departure will “inevitably lead to closure of Southend Airport” and have a huge knock-on impact on the town.

Ryanair’s decision to quit the airport has sent shockwaves through the community, with council bosses admitting there is “no hope” of reversing the decision.

Southend Council’s deputy leader Ron Woodley has insisted it is a “golden opportunity” for easyJet to return.

However, environmental campaigner Jon Fuller has said the airport should “close as soon as possible” and is no longer viable.

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The group coordinator of south East Essex Friends of the Earth said: “We have to face up to facts and for climate change purposes, aviation has to be reduced significantly.

“Flights are no longer viable from Southend.

“We should look at a different model where people go holiday abroad less, and more in the UK “The airport will have to close, and it should do as soon as possible.

“It should all be converted into homes.”

Airport bosses have maintained that talks continue with easyJet and other airlines.

Ian Gilbert, leader of Southend Council, held crunch talks with the airport over the weekend.

He said: “We get the feeling that the decision is irreversible. There’s no chance they reverse it.

“They’re not going to change their minds. The airport relied on the night flights during the pandemic, and that will continue for the short term.

“If the passenger flights don’t return to those same levels by summer next year, then it will impact on the town. It needs to be a passenger led airport.”

Ryanair’s performance at Southend Airport has been “further affected” by the Covid-19 pandemic.

The announcement of Ryanair’s departure from Southend came shortly after Ryanair announced a new base opening in Newcastle for summer 2022.

Ron Woodley, deputy leader of the council, added: “This is a golden opportunity for easyJet.

“Whether they come back even larger than they were before is up to them.

“I believe they’ve both been short-sighted. They’ve both based their departures on Covid, when no flights anywhere were taking off.

“The airport was able to run before these airlines came here, but the airport and the council has longer term ambitions.”

Ryanair has had two aircraft in operation since 2020.

A statement from Esken, said: “The financial impact of Ryanair’s base closure will be mitigated by a reduction in costs directly associated with serving Ryanair’s base and the low level of passengers expected during the winter season.”