Southend is gaining new routes to Malta, Sardinia and Sicily this summer.
Air Malta will fly to the three islands in the Mediterranean from May 4.
Malta is to be served three times a week, with Cagliari in Sardinia and Catania in Sicily both twice a week.
Fares start at £35 one-way to the three new destinations.
The airline is leasing in a tenth aircraft to cover the summer network expansion.
Air Malta chief commercial officer Paul Sies said: “London’s Southend is the third London airport we serve.
“Southend is unique and considered to offer the most easy access to London with its direct train connection which brings you in 40 minutes to the city.
“The biggest advantage is the airport itself which allows 20 minute check-in and in just 10 minutes after arrival you will be on your way to London.
“We believe we will serve a totally new clientele coming from the broader catchment area of London.”
Air Malta chairman Dr Charles Mangion added: “Today we are announcing a milestone in the new Air Malta strategy. We are announcing today flight services connecting Malta, Sicily, Sardinia and London Southend.
This is great news for the Maltese, Sicilians, Sardinians and British tourists alike who now have the opportunity to visit these destinations through Air Malta’s services.
“Today’s announcement is another step forward in the strategy to connect Mediterranean regions with the rest of Europe.
“To operate this ambitious schedule we are leasing in our tenth aircraft for this coming summer season.”
Malta tourism minister Konrad Mizzi added: “This is a significant day for Air Malta and a further important step towards establishing Air Malta as the airline of the Mediterranean.
“As a government we are committed to the airline and are fully supporting its growth strategy since we believe that it is an important pillar for our tourism economy.
“This is why we are constantly looking for new opportunities in new regions and markets in order to enhance Air Malta’s network and increase the number of routes offered by our national airline.”
Glyn Jones, chief executive of Southend airport owner Stobart Aviation, said: “With our multi award winning facilities, fast and frequent train services to London and market-leading record for punctuality, we look forward to providing great service to passengers from Malta, Sicily and Sardinia alike.”
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