PASSENGERS in the mood for romance will soon be able to enjoy moonlit walks along the Seine and the view from the Eiffel Tower after easyJet announced flights from Southend to Paris.

Tickets from Southend Airport to Paris Charles De Gaulle went on sale today(tues) with flights set for take off on February 26 next year.

The new route to the French capital will operate four times a week throughout the year and brings the total number of easyJet destinations from Southend to 17.

Glyn Jones, chief executive officer at Southend Airport, said: "It is great news that easyJet is introducing a new service to and from London Southend. After introducing Lyon and Lanzarote earlier this year, this is an exciting development.

"This will provide even greater choice for passengers flying from the airport and we wish them every success."

The airline is expected to fly 50,000 passengers between the destinations annually, which will prove a huge boost to those coming through the terminal as fewer passengers have been flying from Southend with easyJet this year.

Airport owners the Stobart Group, the airport’s parent company, said there was a drop of 99,000 easyJet passenger numbers this year based on the same period 12 months ago.

Neil Slaven, commercial manager at easyJet, said: "We're delighted to be adding a new route to Paris. Our Paris routes have proved extremely popular in both the summer and winter owing to its world famous attractions and its global status for art, fashion, gastronomy and culture.

"There is a growing demand for short and long breaks in Paris and we are able to make it convenient to reach both sides of the route and to provide value for British and French consumers."