Statements from London Southend Airport
Friday, July 18 – 18:00
Jude Winstanley, CEO, London Southend Airport said: “It was with deep sorrow that I attended today’s Memorial Service to remember and honour the four people who lost their lives in last weekend’s tragic air accident. My heartfelt condolences go to their families and loved ones.
“I would like to thank all the teams involved for their hard work during such a difficult time, particularly our Aviation Firefighters as the first responders on-site, emergency services within Essex Police, Essex Ambulance Service and Essex County Fire and Rescue Service, the Air Accidents Investigation Branch and our own Airport Teams.
“I have always known that we have an outstanding team here at Southend. Incidents like this test commitment, emotional resilience, compassion and team spirit. They go beyond preparation and planning. Throughout this week, our people have delivered with true professionalism and courage. I’m proud of each and every one of them.
“Thank you to Rochford District Council, Southend City Council, St Laurence and All Saints Church and St Andrew’s Church for your efforts in the wake of last Sunday. Our local community and supporting stakeholders have shown unwavering support and kindness, for which we continue to be grateful.
“London Southend Airport has now returned to a full commercial operation. I would once again like to thank our passengers and the wider community for their understanding and encourage anyone affected to seek support from Essex County Council and local healthcare services.”
Thursday, July 17 – 11:00
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.
At 5pm tomorrow (Friday, July 18), there is also a community memorial service taking place at St Andrew’s Church, Hall Road, Rochford, SS4 1NW.
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.
Wednesday, July 16 – 15:30
London Southend Airport is today partially reopening for a small number of flights, following Sunday’s tragic air accident and subsequent closure.
Four easyJet flights will land at London Southend Airport this evening (Wednesday 16 July). Eastern Airways will also operate an empty positioning flight. Normal airline operations resume from the morning of Thursday 17 July.
Our thoughts remain with the families and friends of those who tragically lost their lives on Sunday. Throughout the course of this week, we have continued to support the air accident investigation team as they carry out their work.
Our airport staff and wider team are doing all they can to help during this incredibly difficult time, and will of course be on-hand to assist passengers as we return to service. The understanding and kindness shown by our local community has been incredible, and we are grateful for their support.
Tuesday, July 15 – 16:30
London Southend Airport will continue to remain closed until further notice following Sunday’s tragic incident. Passengers should contact their airline for information and advice.
The friends and families of those lost on Sunday are at the forefront of our minds. Our team continues to work closely with the Air Accidents Investigation Branch to support their work. We would like to thank our passengers and local community for their understanding during this time.
Monday, July 14 – 16:41
At 3pm on Monday 14 July, we held a press conference in relation to the accident involving an aircraft at London Southend Airport which happened on Sunday 13 July.
During the conference, Jude Winstanley, CEO, London Southend Airport, said: “On behalf of everyone at London Southend Airport, I would like to offer our sincere condolences to the families and friends of those lost in yesterday’s tragic incident. We would also like to thank our local community for their messages of support and understanding at this difficult time. Our staff are working closely with the emergency services and air accident investigators to support their work – I would like to thank them all for their hard work during this period.
“We are in constant dialogue with our operating airlines and, as I’m sure everyone will understand, the airport will remain closed until further notice – passengers should contact their airline for information and advice.”
Sunday, July 13 – 21:40
Due to a serious incident today at London Southend Airport, we regret to advise that the Airport is closed until further notice.
All flights to and from the Airport have been cancelled while Police, emergency services and air accident investigators are attending the incident.
We ask that any passengers due to travel tomorrow (Monday, July 14) via London Southend Airport contact their airline for information and advice.
Our thoughts are with those affected by today’s events and all passengers impacted by this disruption. We will restart flight operations as soon as possible and will continue to update the public on developments.
Sunday, July 13 – 18:17
We can confirm there has been a serious incident at London Southend Airport this afternoon involving a general aviation aircraft. We are working closely with the local authorities and will be able to provide more information as soon as possible.