easyJet makes its eagerly anticipated return to Southend Airport tomorrow.

The budget airline will be operating regular flights out of the city for the first time in more than 18 months.

It is offering holidaymakers trips to three popular destinations, with flights available until October.

Here is what you need to know about easyJet’s return:

Where will it be flying to?

The three destinations on offer are Faro in Portugal and Majorca Palma and Malaga in Spain.

There will be four flights a week to Majorca, six to Malaga and two to Faro.

The first-flight will be to Majorca tomorrow – and if you fancy a last-minute getaway, tickets to travel to all three destination this week are still available.

Will more destinations be added?

easyJet has remained tight-lipped on whether it will continue to add more options for holidaymakers from Southend Airport.

It had initially announced flights to just Majorca and Malaga earlier this year before adding Faro to the list last month.

Many have called for additional destinations to be added, such as Alicante.

On the subject of new routes from Southend Airport, an easyJet spokesman said: “We continually keep our network under review, to identify opportunities to offer more choice for our customers.”

What are the face mask rules on easyJet flights?

The airline says its rules on face coverings on flights are determined by the laws in each country it flies to.

This means that flights to both Spain and Portugal require passengers aged above six to wear a mask unless exempt.

easyJet’s website says people without a face mask may not be allowed to board their flight.

More information is available here

What does easyJet’s return mean for Southend Airport?

Bosses have hailed easyJet’s return as a “major milestone” in the airport’s post-Covid recovery.

They have revealed hopes to provide more short-haul flights to other holiday destinations in the coming years.

An airport spokesman added: “We want to develop a sustainable airport that works for our community. We are focused on discussions with short-haul airline operators.

“We aim to get back to pre-pandemic levels in the coming years.”

They stressed: “We are more focused on profitable and sustainable airline agreements than a rush to get maximum passengers.”