EasyJet has confirmed plans to close its base at London Stansted airport from September 1.
The budget airline will also close its Southend and Newcastle bases, putting 670 jobs at risk. It is understood the airline discussed the plans with unions today.
All flights in and out of Southend will be permanently terminated.
The decision leaves Luton and Gatwick as the nearest easyJet bases for Stansted customers and Manchester and Liverpool for those who use Newcastle.
EasyJet chief executive Johan Lundgren said: “We have had to take the very difficult decision to close three UK bases as a result of the unprecedented impact of the pandemic and related travel restrictions, compounded by quarantine measures in the UK which is impacting demand for travel.”
The airline said it “will be informing affected customers of their options” including transferring to another airport or receiving a full refund in the coming days.
