**London Southend Airport Closed Following Dramatic Aircraft Crash**
London Southend Airport has been closed until further notice in the wake of a dramatic plane crash on Sunday that resulted in a significant fire at the airfield. Authorities have confirmed that all flights to and from the airport are currently cancelled as investigations continue into the cause and impact of the accident. Travellers who had been scheduled to depart from Southend on Monday have been urged to contact their airlines for further updates on alternative arrangements.
The incident unfolded shortly before 4pm on Sunday, when emergency services received reports of a large collision involving a single 12-metre aircraft. Essex Police swiftly responded, categorising the occurrence as a “serious incident,” though officials have not yet provided details regarding casualties or injuries. Social media was rapidly awash with striking images and videos showing dense, black smoke and a towering fireball rising above the airport’s perimeter.
The aircraft involved has been identified as a Zeusch Aviation plane, registered to the Dutch operator based in Lelystad. The specific flight in question, SUZ1, had earlier completed passages from Athens to Pula before heading towards Southend on Sunday. According to Zeusch Aviation, the aircraft was set to return to Lelystad that same evening before the disaster struck. In a statement, the company expressed its condolences and confirmed it is cooperating closely with official investigators. “Our thoughts are with everyone who has been affected by this tragic event,” Zeusch Aviation said, adding it is actively supporting authorities throughout the investigation.
As news of the crash developed, Southend Airport released a statement expressing sympathy for all those touched by the incident. “Our thoughts are with those affected by today’s events and all passengers impacted by this disruption,” the airport spokesperson said, further assuring the public that flight operations would resume as soon as safety could be guaranteed. Passengers and residents have been promised regular updates as the situation evolves.
EasyJet, a regular operator from Southend, confirmed its remaining flights have either been diverted to other airports or cancelled outright due to the closure. This has left scores of passengers, both departing and arriving, scrambling to accommodate the disruption to their travel plans, with the airline urging customers to check the latest updates before attempting to travel.
Eyewitness testimony has been pivotal in piecing together the immediate aftermath of the crash. John Johnson, visiting the airport with his family, described seeing the plane bank sharply left shortly after take-off before crashing nose-first into the ground. “There was a big fireball. Obviously, everybody was in shock in terms of witnessing it,” Mr Johnson recounted, visibly shaken by the event. He added that his thoughts remain with the crew and any passengers who may have been on board.
Local businesses and establishments near the airport also felt the impact of the crash. The Rochford Hundred Golf Club and the adjacent Westcliff Rugby Club were temporarily evacuated as a precaution. A bartender at the golf club told the BBC he experienced an intense wave of heat followed by the sight of a massive fireball, relating a sense of disbelief and noting that bystanders rushed towards the scene in hopes of offering assistance.
Political leaders and emergency services have responded with compassion and calls for caution. Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander described the incident as “tragic,” and confirmed she is monitoring developments closely. Essex County Fire and Rescue Service deployed teams from several stations—supported by off-road vehicles and aerial resources—while the East of England Ambulance Service dispatched multiple ambulances, rapid response vehicles, and paramedic teams, including the Essex and Herts Air Ambulance.
Essex Police have launched a dedicated portal for members of the public to share information relevant to the crash as investigations continue. Local MP David Burton-Sampson has urged the public to avoid the area and allow emergency services to work unimpeded. The airport has confirmed that the aircraft involved was a general aviation plane rather than a commercial airliner, and is working in close partnership with local authorities and investigative bodies to determine the cause of the accident.
With the airport’s closure, significant disruption is expected for passengers and airlines alike until authorities are satisfied the site is safe to resume operations. For now, the priority remains supporting those affected and uncovering the full circumstances behind Sunday’s traumatic incident.