EASYJET is to fly from Southend to eight European cities from April next year, it was announced today.

With seats on sale later today, passengers will have a choice to fly to Amsterdam, Alicante, Barcelona, Belfast, Faro, Ibiza, Malaga and Mallorca.

With up to 70 flights and starting fares from £23.99, passengers will be able to experience easyJet’s newest UK base. To celebrate the announcement, Sally Gunnell, Essex girl and Olympic champion, joined local pupils from Eastwood School, at London Southend Airport.

The pupils then joined Sally onboard an easyJet aircraft and asked her questions about her sporting achievements.

Southend Airport managing director, Alastair Welch, said: “The announcement of the routes really brings to life the exciting development of London Southend Airport. easyJet passengers will experience the state-of-the-art terminal and easy access to the dedicated railway station. With up to eight train services an hour to Stratford and to London Liverpool Street, this is an exciting prospect for both people wanting to visit London and those travelling to the region on holiday or business next year.”