Aeroitalia will link the Essex airport with Bergamo, 28 miles from Milan, from 25 March. The carrier will fly six times a week, with one-way fares from €79.99.

Bergamo airport, which was popularised by Ryanair, offers a bus service every 10 minutes to Milan, Italy’s fashion hub.

John Upton, Southend airport chief executive, said: “We are delighted to announce this new and exciting collaboration with Aeroitalia, the second largest Italian airline in Italy, bringing near-daily flights to Milan Bergamo. 

“This partnership marks a significant milestone for London Southend airport, providing our passengers in the east of London and Southeast England with a convenient gateway to the heart of Italian football, fashion and culture in Milan.”

Aeroitalia flights will depart Southend every day except Saturday at 10.45, arriving in Bergamo at 13.30. The inbound service departs at 09.00, arriving in the UK at 09.45.