DISCOUNT Covid-19 tests will be on offer in a bid to encourage travellers as flights return to Southend Airport today.

Airport bosses say they are hoping to offer flights to Spain and France with holidaymakers set to jet off to Alicante this morning.

In the hope of boosting the number of holidaymakers, the airport is offering rapid Covid tests at £99 discounted from £129.

Echo: Checks - the testing centre Checks - the testing centre

After very little activity during the Covid pandemic, the first flight of 2021 took off at 6.35am.

At the moment, flights are limited to Portugal and some amber destinations but bosses are also hoping that the Canary Islands and Amsterdam, as well as France, will be added to the green list in coming weeks.

Glyn Jones, chief executive of Southend Airport, said: “Investments have been made to further improve our customer experi ence, from new safety measures to the trial lane within security and hold baggage X-ray systems.

“The team have worked extremely hard preparing for a safe restart, delivering confidence to our colleagues and customers.

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“As London’s most modern airport, the terminal design and space supports social distancing, there are no transfer buses, parking is a short walk and queuing kept to a minimum, we are also working to ensure that passenger crossover from flights is prevented.”

The departure terminal is now packed with new measures to protect passengers and employees, while the airport’s usual “quick and easy” experience is set to continue with investments enhancing the terminal journey.

The reduced schedule for flights initially includes twice weekly flights to Faro, Portugal, with the airport hoping to increase this to ten flights per week shortly.

Mr Jones added: “We anticipate a steady start, with Portugal the only real option under the green list currently, pent up demand is still being held until more routes open up. “We have some amber destinations operated under Government travel guidance and hope to see more destinations becoming green soon.”

Despite passenger flights being on hold, the airport’s Amazon night flights have continued throughout.

The airport has called for clarity throughout the pandemic and reminds it passengers to check the latest guidance, both from UK and abroad before travelling. Latest flight information is available via airlines directly.