Pre-Covid, Southend airport had flights from easyJet, Ryanair, Wizz Air and Flybe. EasyJet will return in May with services to Palma, Malaga and Faro, but no longer has a base there.

Esken, which operates the airport, said Wizz Air had decided not to restart services “for summer 2022”.

In a trading statement, Esken said: “The company also continues to have active dialogue with a wide range of airlines with a focus on delivering the right agreements for summer 2023 onwards.”  
 
It added: “London Southend airport is well positioned for the recovery and longer-term growth in air travel and, as volumes recover and more established London airports begin to face capacity constraints once again, the airport’s London catchment area and strong transport links support positive growth prospects.” 

Esken said there was £14.4 million of ring-fenced cash, “which will be used to support the airport as it works toward a positive cash contribution”.