Updated: Southend airport to reopen fully after fatal crash

Southend airport is due to resume normal airline operations today (Thursday) after partially reopening for a small number of flights yesterday.

The airport had been closed following a fatal aircraft crash on Sunday (July 13).

An airport spokesperson said on Thursday: "London Southend Airport is today returning to full commercial operation following Sunday’s tragic air accident and subsequent closure.
 
“Our airline partners easyJet and Eastern Airways have resumed normal inbound and outbound operations. 
 
“The friends and families of those lost last Sunday continue to be at the forefront of our minds. The location for floral tributes is at the south entrance to St Laurence and All Saints Church, Southend-on-Sea. We’re very grateful to the church for making this possible. 
 
“We would once again like to thank our passengers and local community for their understanding during this time, and encourage anyone affected to seek support from Essex County Council and local healthcare services.”

Essex Police confirmed the four people killed were foreign nationals.

The Air Accidents Investigation Branch has started an investigation.