BUDGET airline giant easyJet is returning to Southend Airport almost two years after quitting the airport.
The news comes as a massive boost for Southend Airport just one month after RyanAir ceased operating from the airport.
The coronavirus pandemic had left the airport reeling, with dwindling passengers numbers and masive job cuts.
Passenger numbers fell from 2.15 million in the previous year to 147,000 in 2020-21, a reduction of 93 per cent, while 21 per cent of all jobs at the airport had been lost.
easyJet aircraft parked near to an empty long stay car park at Southend airport
It has today been announced that easyJet will be returning.
The budget airline had quit the airport early in 2020 but flights from Southend to destinations are now available on the easyJet website.
Read more >> LIVE: Updates and reaction as easyJet returns to Southend Airport
Flights to Palma are scheduled to take-off from May 1 up to four times a week on Monday, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays.
Flights to Malaga will launch from May 2 with departures six times a week. Both routes will operate throughout the summer season.
Ali Gayward, easyJet’s UK Country Manager said: “We are delighted to be able to serve customers from London Southend Airport once again for next summer. We remain committed to strengthening our unrivalled short-haul network and providing more affordable and easy connections to our customers across London and the east of England, by offering low fares and more choice when they travel.”
Flights will be on offer to sunny Majorca. Pic: PA
Glyn Jones, CEO, London Southend Airport said: "We are delighted at the prospect of a return of easyJet flights to London Southend Airport. The restart of easyJet operations would be a real asset to the airport, and an endorsement of London Southend Airport’s attractive offering.
"In a recent and comprehensive London Southend Airport survey of people living in London and the east of England, Spanish destinations topped the list of places people most want to fly to next year. The prospect of flights to these hugely popular destinations from our quick and easy airport will greatly benefit us, the airline and people living in London and the east of England.“
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel