NEW YORK, Orlando and Chicago will be among the American destinations available to passengers flying from Southend Airport.

From May 10, a thrice-daily route will take passengers to Dublin, where they will connect with flights bound for America.

A US Customs base in Dublin Airport will mean passengers can clear immigration while they wait for their connecting flight, allowing them to walk straight off the plane when they land in the US.

The news came as the Government’s Transport Secretary Justine Greening visited the airport’s new terminal.