Esken on Thursday (2 March) said it was seeking "the right buyer" to support the airport’s longer-term growth prospects.

The decision to sell Southend comes as part of a wider effort by Esken to streamline its assets as part of a "managed disposal process". Esken said initial planning for the sale of Southend was already under way.

"A key objective will be to find the right buyer with the capital to support the growth prospects of the airport over the long-term and benefit airline partners, customers and local stakeholders."

The potential sale comes despite an admission from Esken that the outlook for the UK aviation sector heading into summer 2023 appears to be "increasingly positive".

This, it said, would likely drive demand for peak time slots at Southend airport, with the airport’s management team said to be proactively engaging with airlines about their plans.

The airport inked a new multi-year partnership with easyJet earlier this year, which included a new Amsterdam route – its fourth from Southend alongside Malaga, Majorca and Faro.

EasyJet will operate up to 18 weekly departures from Southend this summer as a result, up 30% on 2022.

Esken said Southend was managing its cost base to match activity while seeking additional ancillary revenues, such as by hosting TV and advertising projects and supporting a new logistics partner.

Net proceeds from any disposals, said Esken, will be used to pay down debt and provide liquidity until the disposal programme has been completed.