London Southend Airport shuts after small plane crash cancels flights

London Southend Airport has been temporarily closed following a small plane crash on the runway, resulting in the cancellation of all scheduled flights. Emergency services swiftly responded to the incident, and investigations are underway to determine the cause. Passengers have been advised to check with their airlines for updates and alternative arrangements. The closure has caused significant disruption, affecting both domestic and international travel, with no immediate timeline provided for the airport’s reopening.

London Southend Airport in Essex has suspended all operations indefinitely following a crash involving a light aircraft, according to police reports.

Authorities have yet to release information about the aircraft's intended destination or the number of passengers or crew onboard. Emergency crews quickly arrived at the airport in response to the incident. The airport shared on social media that a “serious event” occurred involving a private aviation aircraft. Subsequently, the airport confirmed the cancellation of all inbound and outbound flights while emergency teams and aviation investigators conduct their assessments.

UK media outlets reported that the plane involved was a medical aircraft, identified as a Beechcraft B200 Super King Air, and was reportedly en route to the Netherlands. Shortly after the accident, photos and videos surfaced online, showing flames and thick black smoke rising from the crash area. The aircraft involved measured approximately 12 meters (or 39 feet) in length.

Eyewitness John Johnson, who was visiting the airport with his family, described seeing a massive fireball after the aircraft plunged nose-first into the ground. According to Johnson, the plane began its ascent but veered sharply left within a few seconds and then flipped before crashing. Before take-off, Johnson said he and his family waved at the flight crew, who acknowledged them with a wave in return. Moments after the crash, the airport’s fire response team deployed two engines to the scene, soon joined by local emergency services including police and ambulance units.

Essex Police reported they were alerted to the emergency shortly before 4 p.m. local time and described the crash as a “serious incident” at the regional airport, which lies roughly 72 kilometers (45 miles) east of London. Authorities confirmed that all relevant emergency services were actively working at the site and that the response effort would continue for several hours. Local MP David Burton-Sampson urged the public to steer clear of the area to avoid hindering emergency operations.

He also expressed concern and support, stating that his thoughts were with all those affected by the incident.

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Source: thehindu‍