Southend Airport Halts Operations After Light Aircraft Crash Triggers Major Emergency Response

London Southend Airport has suspended all operations until further notice after a light aircraft crashed on its runway Sunday afternoon, prompting a full-scale emergency response and widespread disruption to air travel.

The incident occurred shortly before 4:00 p.m., when Essex Police received reports of a collision involving a 12-metre (39-foot) aircraft.

The number of people on board has not yet been confirmed, and authorities have not released information regarding injuries or fatalities.

Unverified video footage published online appears to show a fireball rising above the airport moments after the impact suggesting the aircraft may have caught fire on landing or collision.

The East of England Ambulance Service deployed four ambulances and several specialist teams to the scene.

In a statement on X (formerly Twitter), Southend Airport announced the immediate suspension of all flights and the closure of the terminal “as a precaution” while investigations continue.

The airport’s website shows at least five international flights cancelled so far, with further delays expected into the week.

“We remain on the scene of a serious incident at Southend Airport,” Essex Police said. “Emergency services and air accident investigators are in attendance.”

The Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB) has been notified and is expected to lead a formal investigation into the cause of the crash.

Officials from the agency were reportedly on site within hours, working alongside local police and fire crews.

Situated approximately 35 miles (56 km) east of central London, Southend Airport is a key regional hub, known for servicing short-haul European routes and popular with low-cost carriers. Its abrupt closure during the peak summer travel season is likely to cause further disruption for holidaymakers and local passengers.