CROWDS of easyJet workers and campaigners will gather at the gates of Southend Airport today in protest against the airline’s decision to pull out of the airport from next month. 

Unite activists will descend on the airport today at 1.30pm, armed with banners which read “Easy Option Taken”. 

It comes after the budget airline confirmed flights will cease on September 1.

Unite says the decision to close its Southend base will result in the loss of 131 cabin crew jobs, with pilots and engineers also being made redundant.

And protestors say the closure of the Southend base is a particular blow for the airport and raises questions about its long-term future, with the Aer Lingus regional service, operated by Stobart Air, already leaving the airport.

Unite regional officer, Lindsey Olliver, said: “This was an extremely disappointing announcement by easyJet. 

“These job losses will bring hardship and misery to cabin crew and local communities.

“This is a cruel blow for the passengers of these regional airports as they are vital for regional connectivity. 

“The loyal and dedicated workers at easyJet are the innocent victims of the company’s desire to make cuts to boost profits but also of the government’s failure to provide sector specific support to the aviation sector.”

She added: “The chancellor promised sector support for aviation in March and that still has not been delivered.

“As a minimum, a form of the job retention scheme must be retained to protect sectors such as aviation, which have been most affected by the pandemic.

“If the government fails to act then an ever growing number of aviation workers face needlessly losing their jobs.”

The airline has also comfirmed it will be closing its bases in both Newcastle and Stansted, but both will remain part of easyJet’s route network. 

easyJet said it has reached agreement with the trade union on voluntary redundancy terms and selection criteria for impacted cabin crew and the individual consultation process with cabin crew continues.

Bosses say they have “significantly reduced” the number of compulsory redundancies by offering enhanced voluntary redundancy packages to all UK crew, having examined other options such part time and seasonal contracts, base transfers where possible and unpaid leave.

easyJet has now urged the union to engage in “constructive” working. 

A spokesperson from Southend Airport, said: "We are aware of the protest in support of easyJet employees and our thoughts are with those whose employment has been affected by the global pandemic.

"The aviation industry has been hit hard by the impacts of the coronavirus and we would welcome any support that can be given to help the industry recover and protect jobs."