THE boss of Southend Airport has laughed off criticism its classification as a London airport would frustrate international visitors.

Chiefs at London City Airport claimed the designation, confirmed by the International Air Transport Association two weeks ago, was “faintly ridiculous and extremely misleading”.

But Alastair Welch , the managing director at Southend, said the attention was flattering.

Mr Welch, who believes the designation will help the airport to continue to expand, said: “We are flattered that our friends at London City Airport feel the developments and growth at London Southend are worth talking about so much.”

Mr Welch is friends with Matthew Hall, London City’s chief commercial officer, who made the derogatory comments last week.

Mr Hall added: “You have to feel for the visitor who expects to land in London and ends up in a field on the east coast.”