SOUTHEND Airport’s efforts to help out other major airlines during a summer of chaos for holidaymakers could lead to new routes and extra flights next summer, bosses hope.

As hundreds of flights to major airlines have been cancelled this summer, Southend Airport has been offering up its runway and services to allow stranded flights somewhere to land.

On Thursday, a Blue Air flight from Romania landed at Southend Airport after it was unable to land at Heathrow.

A number of other flights have also landed in Southend, with airport bosses insisting it is a perfect opportunity to show off the airport, and could help fresh deals be struck for new routes next summer.

A spokesman said: “London Southend Airport has been delighted to welcome flights recently from Blue Air and The Sky Express. It is fantastic to be able to see new airlines at London Southend Airport, even on a one-off basis.

“It means they get to see how good the passenger experience is, and how quick and easy the airport is to use. Getting these airlines to land at London Southend Airport also means we can start to be in their thinking for planning flights for next summer.

“We will continue to make ourselves available to support airlines throughout this summer and beyond”.

Both Heathrow and Gatwick airports, two of the largest in the country, have been forced to cancel hundreds of flights in recent months, with Southend Airport offering support wherever it can.; Southend Airport previously took a flight from Athens which was allowed to land at the last minute when Heathrow had to issue a late flight cancellation.

Daniel Cowan, Labour councillor for St Laurence, said: “I think what the airport is trying to do is attract more business back there.

“The industry has suffered due to the Covid pandemic and I am sure the airport is pleased these airlines are choosing it to land at.

“From the airport’s point of view it fills gaps where it’s lost routes. I think as long as it operates well for the economy and jobs but protects the interest residents then everyone should be happy.”

Posting on Twitter on Thursday, a spokesman for Southend Airport Air Traffic Control said: “Our ‘help out’ flights continue this evening with a Blue Air flight from Lasi. This flight would routinely be destined for Heathrow Airport. Welcome to Southend, we hope we can host you again in the future.”