FLIGHTS from Southend Airport to two European cities have been increased this summer, bosses have announced.

EasyJet has put thousands of additional seats on sale to Paris and Palma de Mallorca from Southend Airport.

The airline will operate an extra Sunday service to Paris Charles de Gaulle between July and August, in addition to its existing flights on Mondays and Fridays during this period. 

easyJet is also adding an extra Thursday flight each week to Palma de Mallorca over the busy peak season between June 27 and October 24.

This will mean up to eight weekly flights to the Spanish hotspot at times during the summer.

John Upton, CEO at Southend Airport, said: “This increase not only enhances connectivity but also provides travellers with more convenient options to explore these two vibrant destinations.

“London Southend is committed to continually developing and evolving the travel experience for our passengers, and this expansion is a testament to that dedication.

“The addition of these easyJet services also indicates that demand from people in the east of London, Essex and the wider East Anglia region is still in full flight, and they now have greater opportunities to travel from our quick, easy, and award-winning airport.

“Our dedicated on-site rail station is less than one hour from central London; only 43 minutes from Stratford, London with connections to the Elizabeth Line; and only 100 paces from the terminal door.”

The announcement follows the return of multiple routes from Southend Airport as the airport operates its largest winter schedule in four years.

There are now 11 destinations in total from Southend Airport.

Ali Gayward, easyJet’s UK Country Manager, added: "We are delighted to be increasing our flying across our routes from London Southend to Paris and Majorca this summer, providing customers more convenient, direct connections.

“Paris is proving popular with those looking for a city break or travelling for business, and the increase in frequency of our flights to Majorca from the airport provides additional options for customers’ summer holidays with more choice and great value fares.”

The news comes as flights from Southend Airport to one of the world’s fashion capitals have been cancelled.

The first of near-daily flights from Southend to Milan Bergamo had been due to start from March 25.

In January, Southend Airport bosses confirmed it had stuck a deal with Italy’s second largest airline, Aeroitalia, to open the new route.

However, a spokesman for the airport has now confirmed flights to Milan have been taken off sale and cancellations are currently under way.