Southend airport has attracted a new foreign carrier to help rebuild a declining network.
Italian airline Aeroitalia, set up in 2022 with a fleet of Boeing 737s, is to serve Milan Bergamo this summer with the Essex airport suggesting that there are “more routes to follow”.
Southend airport handled almost 2.3 million passengers in pre-pandemic in 2019 with services to around 40 domestic and European cities.
Commercial services restarted in May 2022 but EasyJet is the only airline offering regular flights from Southend alongside seasonal services by tour operators Balkan Holidays and Santa’s Lapland.
The arrival of Aeroitalia this summer brings the number of destinations available from the airport in 2024 to 11.
The carrier will run six flights a week to Milan with fares starting at €79.99 one-way.
Chief executive Gaetano Intrieri said: “This initiative is the result of hard work, dedication and commitment from the entire Aeroitalia team.
“We are determined to continue to improve and expand our operations to always offer you high-quality services.
“We are confident that this new route will become a bridge between cultures, connecting our beautiful Italian cities with the vibrant energy of London.”
John Upton, chief executive of Southend airport, which was put up for sale by owner Esken last year, 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 fashion and culture.”
Passengers reach the airport in less than an hour by train from London Liverpool Street or 43 minutes from Stratford connecting via the Elizabeth Line.
The airport is offering its largest winter schedule in four years with routes to Amsterdam, Alicante, Geneva, Grenoble, Paris and Finnish Lapland.
Summer services in addition to Milan are Bourgas in Bulgaria, Faro, Malaga and Palma.