RESIDENTS have shared their delight and excitement after Southend Airport announced new flights to a popular Italian city.

Yesterday, Southend Airport bosses confirmed it has formed a partnership with Aeroitalia to launch near-daily flights to Milan Bergamo.

The Italian city is best known as one of the most fashionable in the world, but it is also rich in history with famous landmarks.

Flights will start from Monday, March 25, 2024, and will offer six-times weekly flights with tickets starting from €79.99 one-way.

Amy Leech, 43, lives in Southend, with her Italian partner, Adi, and their son Arco.

She said: “My partner, my son, and I live in Southend, but my partner and his mum previously lived in Milan for 13 years.

“We all speak Italian, and we love to get to Milan, or anywhere in Italy, whenever we can especially as we have friends there.

“So, to have flights accessible from so close to home again is something we have been waiting years for.

“We travelled to Milan in 2017 from Southend, and it was so easy and stress free.

“Southend is a brilliant airport, and I hope the route options keep on coming.”

Resident, Lisa Clarkson, 51, lives beneath the flight path in Westcliff.

She added: “I love watching the planes take off and land over my garden. I have used Southend Airport, and we are just so lucky to have it nearby.

“I can leave my home and be in places like Spain within four hours.

“I think it is great news that another airline has invested into Southend. I would love a weekend city break in Milan.

“I am hoping it will continue to encourage more to follow.”

The new route is part of Southend Airport’s continued revival since the pandemic wreaked havoc on the airport and the travel industry.

Kevin Buck, councillor responsible for highways, transport, and parking, said: “It is really good news to hear that Southend Airport will be expanding its flight offerings to what is undoubtedly, a very popular and welcome destination.

“These new flights to Milan are also with a new carrier which is very encouraging, as it demonstrates a commitment to Southend Airport by other commercial operators and adds to the diversity of carriers flying from it.

“This will also help to sustain a longer-term future for the airport, the jobs it creates and Southend's economy as a whole.”