Southend is ‘London’s next thriving airport’

The global pandemic and the closure of the easyJet base at the airport led to an 89.5 per cent fall in the number of passengers between March and the end of August.

It is widely believed short-haul flights will be the first to recover from the effects of coronavirus – and airport bosses are clear that is their first line of attack because they can offer a cost-efficient, effective service.

Bosses say the airport’s location expands airlines’ catchment to almost “complete coverage” of the “valuable London market”.

In airport owner Stobart Group’s interim results report, for the period to August 31, bosses say: “It is also our belief that low-cost carriers will be the first airlines to recover, offering short haul point-to-point flights on a cost-efficient basis.

“London Southend Airport, and its proven, well-established routes, previously operated by easyJet without direct competition, will allow airlines to generate similar yields to other London airports but at a lower cost of operation. “

Stobart bosses insist Southend “provides the best opportunity to secure London slots” as the UK recovers from the pandemic over the coming years.

The report adds: “Given the significant year-on-year growth achieved in the years leading up to the Covid-19 pandemic we are confident that we will secure additional deals with airlines once better visibility of passenger demand returns. We will target agreements with existing airlines, new low-cost carriers, full service and regional niche carriers.”

But not everyone is convinced, Mark Flewitt, Southend Tory councillor for St Laurence said: “This is not enough. I am disappointed with this reaction and think it’s the airport panicking. They need to recover with the rest of the economy and it’ll also be about people’s confidence, people getting jobs.

“They should also look at how the community has been so troubled with cargo flights and parking issues.”