Southend officially becomes London airport

London Southend Airport

Southend Airport has been officially recognised as a hub serving London.

Whilst the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has always classed the Essex airport as serving the capital, the International Air Transport Association (IATA) has not. But that has all changed now, with IATA having included London Southend Airport within its classification of the Metropolitan Area of London.

The change means that London now officially has six airports – Gatwick, Heathrow, City, Stansted, Luton and Southend.

“By offering London Southend alongside all the other London airports – especially at this key time when so many new customers are exploring ways of travelling to London for the Olympics – gives us further chances to demonstrate the great customer service and big benefits we can offer people over and above the other London airports,” said London Southend’s managing director, Alastair Welch.

Southend also promises one of the fastest arrival processing times, with passengers carrying just hand luggage expected to be on a train to London within 15 minutes of their aircraft doors opening, or 30 minutes if collecting luggage.

By Mark Elliott, 1 August 2012, Wednesday 2:33 PM