London Southend Airport saw it's two biggest weekends ever thanks to new flights from Ryanair and Loganair.

More than 24,000 passengers used the airport between Friday July 27 and Sunday July 29, a 28 per cent increase when compared with the same weekend last year.

Over 23,000 people also used the airport between Friday July 20 and Saturday July 22, a 47 per cent increase when compared to the same weekend last year.

The sky high increase in users from London has been partly driven by Ryanair, who began flying from the airport in April earlier this year. Since then, the airline has added 14 new routes.

Younger travellers are particularly impressed with the growing number of routes and ease of travel, with a survey of almost 14,000 passengers between May and June this year showing that 73 per cent were between the ages18 to 34.

Glyn Jones, CEO of Stobart Aviation, said: “Our ambition to become London’s next big airport is very much on track as we saw our two biggest weekends ever at London Southend Airport.

"The airport’s customers can enjoy more routes thanks to our partnerships with Ryanair and Loganair as well as an expanded passenger experience, including additional food, drink and shopping outlets.

“More and more people are using London Southend Airport as they realise other airports serving the capital are over capacity. "There is a reason why Which? rates us the best London airport for customers. For those who have not experienced London Southend Airport, I would employ you to visit us via our impeccable rail links.”