SOUTHEND Airport has announced new one-off flights to a “scenic” European town this summer… with hope it could lead to more.

UK tour operator Mann Link Travel has partnered with Southend Airport to offer flights to Sønderborg in Denmark this summer.

This comes just weeks after the recent announcement by Italian airline Aeroitalia, which will begin six-weekly flights from Milan Bergamo in March.

The one-off flight departing on August 8, 2024, offers a four-night short break holiday with a number of hotels with airport transfers included, and prices starting at £745 per person.

For those passengers looking for seat-only, direct return flights, including 8kg of hand luggage and 15kg of hold luggage, are available from £387 per person. John Upton, CEO of Southend Airport, said: “Our summer 2024 flying programme continues to gain momentum and I am happy to announce this new and exciting collaboration with Mann Link Travel, bringing another new country to our departure boards.

“As the only UK airport with a direct flight to Sønderborg, we look forward to welcoming passengers from further afield than our normal catchment in Essex, London east and South East England.”

This brings the number of destinations now available from the airport in 2024 to 12 – compared to three when easyJet returned in 2022.

The hidden gem destination of Sønderborg is located in Southern Jutland in Denmark, close to the German border, and is the ideal location for active holidays – hiking and cycling tours, horse riding, kayaking, sea fishing and golf.

It boasts a wealth of scenic beauty, beaches, heritage, and culture.

There are also historical attractions such as Sønderborg and Nordborg castles, Augustenborg Palace, as well as the Dybbol Mill and Battlefield.

Brian Kelly, Mann Link Travel founder and chairman, has said if the one-off flight is successful, they “hope to increase the number of departures available over the summer.”

He said: “I am delighted to partner with London Southend Airport in offering its first short-break service to Sønderborg, Denmark.

“We have been selling short breaks to this unique Danish holiday destination for the last three years, offering flights from Jersey, Guernsey, and the Isle of Man.”

Formed in 1982 Mann Link Travel is one of the UK’s oldest travel companies.