London Southend Airport will remain closed today (Monday) following a crash involving a small aircraft on Sunday afternoon (13 July).
The airport said on Sunday evening it would be ‘closed until further notice’ due to the ‘serious incident’, but an updated message on its website now says: “All flights to and from the Airport have been cancelled today (Monday, July 14). Please contact your airline for more information and advice.”
It’s reported the crash involved a medical transport aircraft and images on social media show large flames and a plume of black smoke.
Essex Police said it responded to ‘reports of a collision involving one 12-metre plane’ shortly before 4pm on Sunday.
“We are working with all emergency services at the scene now and that work will be ongoing for several hours,” the statement said.
“We would please ask the public to avoid this area where possible while this work continues.”
EasyJet cancelled four flights due to take off on Sunday afternoon and evening, to Paris, Alicante, Faro and Palma de Mallorca, and said all its remaining flights to and from Southend had been ‘diverted to alternative airports or are no longer able to operate’.
It has contacted customers who were due to travel today and said anyone due to fly on Monday should check online for up-to-date information.
EasyJet issued a statement on Sunday evening to say: “Our thoughts are with all those affected by the incident at London Southend airport this afternoon.
“As the airport is currently closed, all remaining flights to and from London Southend today have been diverted to alternative airports or are no longer able to operate.
“We are doing all we can to support our customers and have contacted them directly with options to rebook or receive a refund, and are arranging hotel accommodation and meals for those who require them.
“We advise anyone due to travel from London Southend tomorrow to check our Flight Tracker for the most up to date information on their flight.”
