FLIGHTS from Southend to Berlin have been scrapped as EasyJet concentrates on busier routes.

The budget airline will stop flights between Southend Airport and Berlin from February 26 next year, the Echo can reveal.

The Echo understands too few passengers are using the route to make it profitable, particularly on inbound flights from Germany.

But both EasyJet and the airport have indicated another destination may be announced soon to replaced the dropped service.

Jon Horne, interim managing director of Southend Airport, said: “While it is disappointing to lose the Berlin service, the commercial decision on routes rests with the airline and we totally understand EasyJet’s reasons for doing this. Having a strong and commercially successful operation is the most important outcome as this will ensure the greatest likelihood of new destinations from Southend and future growth.

“We look forward to announcing what exciting destination will be replacing Berlin in the hopefully near future."

Travel agents claim outbound flights to Berlin were popular in south Essex and suggested the airline may have struggled to attract enough German businessmen and tourists flying into Southend and travelling on to London.

The airline, which has based aircraft in Southend since the airport was redeveloped under the Stobart Group, has also privately admitted passenger numbers were too low.

But EasyJet, which will still fly to 14 destinations from the hub, has insisted it is committed to Southend Airport.

An spokesman said: “EasyJet can confirm that following a review of services, the airline will cease to operate flights between London Southend Airport and Berlin from February 26 next year.

“Southend continues to be a successful base for EasyJet and we will continue to focus the flying schedule there on the routes with the greatest demand.

"EasyJet will continue to operate 14 destinations from the airport including the recently announced destinations of Lanzarote and Lyon.”

Mr Horne added: “Since EasyJet opened its base here at London Southend in March 2012 it has enjoyed huge success with some of the highest customer satisfaction levels across its European network recorded here.

“They have consistently expanded the number of destinations on offer from London Southend – most recently with the launch of Mahon and the addition of Lyon and Lanzarote, starting this winter.”