Flybe launches Southend flights

Wednesday 29 January 2020

Flybe is putting tickets for its new service to Southend on sale, just days after Blue Islands announced it is cutting the route.

The new seasonal service between London Southend and Guernsey Airport will start in May, operating on Wednesdays and Saturdays until the end of September.

Flybe's franchise partner, Blue Islands, used to operate a year-round service to both Southend (daily) and Liverpool (twice weekly), but the locally-owned airline announced earlier this month that both are stopping.

Soon after that announcement was made, Flybe said it was able to offer flights between Guernsey and Southend. The airline's Interim Chief Commercial Officer, Oli Byers, said: “Flybe is pleased to step in to operate the London Southend service this summer. We are committed to maintaining regional connectivity for our Guernsey customers and especially look forward to welcoming them on board to share our journey as we become Virgin Connect.” 

Glyn Jones, CEO of London Southend Airport added: “We are delighted to welcome this new Flybe route serving Guernsey. London Southend Airport provides a quick and easy experience for customers. Which? readers have voted it as London’s best airport for the past six consecutive years, in large part due to a lack of queues and the convenience of up to six direct trains an hour that take people to and from London Liverpool Street in just over 50 minutes.” 

In total, Flybe will operate four routes from GCI this summer with a choice of up to 27 flights a week to Birmingham, Exeter, Jersey and London Southend. The popular Heathrow route is ending however. 

Pictured top: A Flybe plane.