CHEAP tickets to European hotspots were quickly snapped up as easyJet flights from Southend went on sale.

Holidaymakers didn’t hang around in booking a getaway to the likes of Alicante and Majorca as the cheapest tickets were gone within hours.

Travellers can jet off to Belfast, Alicante, Amsterdam, Majorca, Malaga, Barcelona, Faro and Ibiza.

One-way flights with the airline start at £23.99 and prices increase with demand.

Tickets went on sale at 10am yesterday and within hours of flights, prices had jumped, showing the instant demand.

The first flight to Alicante, on April 5, was initially priced £25.99, but by 3pm tickets were up to £73.99.

The first flight to Majorca on May 1 also started at £25.99, but by 3pm was up to £45.99.

Fears the new popular routes might lead to traffic chaos on roads to Southend were dismissed by Tony Cox, Southend councillor responsible for transport.

He said: “The new road that is being created will help alleviate extra traffic.

“It’s wonderful news for the town and once the new routes are fully operational we will constantly and continuously monitor the traffic situation.

“If there were any real problems the council would look at what measures could be introduced, but I am confident it will be fine.”

Dave Clift, 61, president of the Southend Licensed Taxi Drivers Association, said: “It will only be good for the borough and the infrastructure will be fine. It is not the same size or type of operation as Stansted, nowhere near it. Also all the new passengers won’t be travelling to the airport at the same time.”

An easyJet spokeswoman said: “easyJet seats are sold on a first-come, first-served basis, and fares generally increase as seats are sold. Popular dates are likely to sell quicker and the price will therefore go up. So the earlier you book, the more you save.

“There are around 70 flights a week from Southend Airport so there will still be many bargains available.”