EasyJet has today announced that it will begin operating a new route from London Southend Airport to Venice - the first Italian route from the new airport.

Venice will take the total number of destinations from the airline’s newest base to five European countries and two domestic routes.

Flights to Venice are available to book from 23 April. The inaugural flight will depart from London Southend Airport on 8 February 2013.

easyJet currently operate more than 70 flights a week from London Southend to nine destinations across Europe from Alicante, Amsterdam, Barcelona, Belfast, Faro, Ibiza, Jersey, Majorca and Malaga. Geneva and Venice will commence from this autumn.

MORE DETAILS ON LATEST DEVELOPMENTS AT SOUTHEND AIRPORT IN MONDAY'S ECHO.