Passenger number at Southend Airport have increased by almost 40 per cent in the first half of this year.

Stobart, which bought the airport in 2008, is hoping to increase passenger numbers to 5 million a year by 2022.

Ryanair will begin flying from the airport in the spring and Easyjet has also announced new routes from Southend.

Stobart chief executive Warwick Brady said: “We are reviewing all aspects of the group to ensure we are well placed to deliver the ambitious growth targets set by the board to double the value of the business.

"We are confident that we can meet our commitment to shareholders to unify the business and provide the framework for the delivery of the company's strategy to the benefit of all stakeholders.”