Ryanair to close base at Southend Airport

In an exclusive statement, Ryanair has stated its intention to close its base at the airport from the start of the winter season.

The airline has had two aircraft in operation since 2020, following a reduction driven by the pandemic.

Ryanair’s performance at London Southend Airport has been "further affected" by the Covid-19 pandemic.

This comes after easyJet left the airport last year.

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A statement from Esken, reads: "Esken, the aviation and energy infrastructure group, has today been informed that Ryanair has stated its intention to close its base at London Southend Airport with effect from the start of the winter season this year.

"As a result, Ryanair will cease operations based from London Southend Air

"Esken, the aviation and energy infrastructure group, has today been informed that Ryanair has stated its intention to close its base at London Southend Airport with effect from the start of the winter season this year.

"As a result, Ryanair will cease operations based from London Southend Airport from November 1."

"Ryanair signed a five-year agreement to base three aircraft at London Southend Airport in 2018 and commenced operations 1st April 2019.

"However, Ryanair’s performance at London Southend Airport has been further affected by the Covid-19 pandemic and has now resulted in this decision.

"Esken is currently in the process of reviewing the impact of such decision on its forecasts.

"However, the financial impact of Ryanair’s base closure will be mitigated by a reduction in costs directly associated with serving Ryanair’s base and the low level of passengers expected during the winter season.

"Esken will provide a further update as soon as it is able."