HOLIDAYMAKERS had already booked multiple trips just hours after Southend Airport announced the return of the Alicante route.

Yesterday, Southend Airport and easyJet revealed they will be relaunching the popular route to the Spanish destination.

The flights, which begin on October 29 and will run twice a week, adds further choice for customers as the airport continues to recover from the Covid pandemic.

easyJet previously flew to Alicante between April 2012 to August 2020 and flew more than 856,000 passengers in that period.

Residents had been pleading with Southend Airport to get Alicante added to the list of destinations for months and months – with hundreds commenting on the Echo’s social media that it is their number one choice.

Following the announcement yesterday, residents have now taken back to social media to share their delight and excitement – with some already confirming they have booked a flight.

Elaine Hills wrote: “Absolutely fabulous. Already booked two trips!”.

Chrissy Perry added: “So excited, booked this morning.”

Brenda Edwards Mercer said: “Fantastic news. So pleased.”

This is the latest destination on offer at the aiport and joins the likes of Geneva, Paris, Amsterdam, Bulgaria, Malaga, Faro, and Majorca.

However, despite residents sharing their delight, some were still thirsty for even more.

Jo Sh Ua said: “Excellent news. Hope this is the start of many more.”

Annie Rose wrote: “Ireland, Scotland, Jersey, Cornwall, Norway? Any chance of any of these please?”

Nicola Stevens added: “Great for those who want to go there, please think about Nice next.”

Alicante, known as the “City of the Sun”, is one of the sunniest cities in Europe with an average of 349 hours of sun each month, making it the perfect year-round destination.

Kevin Buck, councillor responsible for highways, transport, and parking, said: “I am absolutely delighted at the news that easyJet will be flying from Southend to Alicante from the autumn.

“This is really good news for Southend airport and its employees and great news for those of us who have been waiting for its return.

“We as a family had actually stopped flying to Spain, as we didn't want to use the alternative airports an hour away, so the welcome return of flights from Southend to Alicante means we will once again be flying from the country's greatest airport.

“I sincerely hope these flights prove to be popular and successful for easyJet, Southend and the airport.”