HUNDREDS of excited passengers have taken the inaugural flight to Amsterdam from Southend Airport.

easyJet passengers chose the perfect day to fly as the award-winning airport celebrated the Faro restart and first Amsterdam flight.

There was a welcoming performance from The Music Man Project, a music education charity for people with learning disabilities at check-in as well as a live DJ set in departures.

Airport colleagues were distributing tulip cupcakes and gouda cheese and chutney in a synonymous nod to the Netherlands.

Many passengers were excited to be heading to Amsterdam, including a couple from Chelmsford who were off to visit their son.

Denise, 70, and Brian Otley, 71, said: “It is has made it so easy to get to Amsterdam by having Southend Airport so nearby.

“We are so excited to go and see our son and our grandchildren.”

Echo: The easyjet plane on the runway at Southend AirportThe easyjet plane on the runway at Southend Airport (Image: Newsquest)

Sean Kelly, 48, and Becky Powell, 47, said they hoped it signalled more flights could be on the way. 

Sean said: “We are very excited to go to Amsterdam, but we are even more excited to fly out of Southend. To fly out of our local airport is brilliant.

“We live in Southend, so it is very close and simple, and on our doorstep.

“I fly around Europe a lot for skateboarding competitions, and it is just great to fly out Southend.

“I hope eventually, we will have even more European destinations out of Southend.”  Return flights in June to Amsterdam from Southend Airport could cost passengers less than £70.

Laura Jordan, who runs Love.LeighOnSea, almost walked to Southend Airport today as it is so close to her home in Southend.

She said: “I am so excited, my first for Amsterdam, and my first time flying out of Southend for ages.

Echo: The Southend Airport and easyjet themed cakes at the airportThe Southend Airport and easyjet themed cakes at the airport (Image: Newsquest)

“It is amazing to have this on our doorstep, it is absolutely perfect. We almost walked here today as we live so local.

“I am waiting for more destinations too, I am waiting for Barcelona, I am waiting for anything.”

The Music Man Project also gave passengers a warm welcome as they entered the airport.

David Stanley, founder of The Music Man Project, added: “We are delighted to once again perform at the airport.

“We have developed a lovely partnership with Southend Airport, in which our musicians perform to welcome passengers and celebrate new flights.

“Today is a very special day for the airport and shows it is on its way to recovery following the devastating impact of the Covid-19.

“As a global leader in accessible arts and culture, it is fitting that The Music Man Project celebrates with our friends at London Southend.

“I have taken my service to Nepal, India, the Philippines, South Africa, and America. Our Southend students recently performed in San Diego. Who knows, maybe we can set up a Music Man Project in the Netherlands soon.

“It is always an honour to be invited to perform for special occasions in our great city.”