SPAIN could be on the map for planes travelling from the new and improved Southend Airport.

The holiday hotspot is one of the top destinations being looked at by airport bosses, should the £30million revamp get the go ahead.

Yesterday the Echo revealed details of plans submitted to Southend Council by Stobart Air. If it all goes ahead, the improved airport with an extended runway could be ready for take off in May 2011.

Alastair Welch, airport managing director, said the bigger runway would enable jets to travel further than before.

He said: “With the extended runway and modern, quieter aircraft we would have a capability of flights up to three-and-a-half hours.

“Research shows more than 90 per cent of the top 30 destinations for local people would be well within this range.

“The Iberian peninsula is especially important, and we would be looking at this being the core of the new business for the airport.

“It would make a tremendous difference to a lot of people in the whole south Essex area, who would be able to fly from Southend to get to their favourite holiday destination rather than having to go miles to another airport.

“Most of the trips to Spain and this part of Europe, which is especially popular, are currently from Gatwick and it would mean a saving for local people of travel time and help the environment.”

The current flights to the Channel Islands would continue to operate and could be increased if there is the demand.

l For a special report, see today's Echo.