Four people died on Sunday (13 July) when a medical repatriation aircraft burst into flames shortly after taking off from Southend.

EasyJet said: “As London Southend airport remains closed, three return flights departing this morning will operate to and from Gatwick today [Tuesday]. Three return flights this afternoon will also be operated from Gatwick and only return to an alternative airport should the airport continue to be closed.”

Southend airport has confirmed it will remain closed until further notice.

Chief executive Jude Winstanley said: "Our staff are working closely with the emergency services and air accident investigators to support their work – I would like to thank them all for their hard work during this period.

"We are in constant dialogue with our operating airlines and, as I’m sure everyone will understand, the airport will remain closed until further notice – passengers should contact their airline for information and advice.”

EasyJet added: “We continue to work closely with the airport to understand when operations are able to resume and advise any customers travelling today [Tuesday] to check our Flight Tracker for the most up to date info on their flights.

“Our thoughts remain with those affected by the tragic accident.”