Southend Airport plane crash latest: Airport shut, all flights cancelled after crash

Flight tracking data suggests the aircraft was a Beech B200 Super King Air, a US-built aircraft with a jet turbine that can carry more than 20 people.

The planes are often used for short-haul charter flights and for carrying light freight. They are also used for medical evacuation flights.

The aircraft reportedly involved in the crash, registered PH-ZAZ, was configured as a luxury private aeroplane with eight seats and a comfortable leather interior, according to a commercial charter website.

The operator was Zeusch Aviation, a Dutch company that specialises in medical evacuation services and transplant flights as well as private charters.

UK transport secretary Heidi Alexander said she was “monitoring the situation closely”.

In a post on X, she wrote: “I’m aware of the tragic incident at Southend Airport this afternoon. My thoughts are with all those involved.

The emergency services are on scene and are advising the public to avoid the area where possible.

I am monitoring the situation closely and receiving regular updates.”

Pictures of the incident showed black smoke billowing from the wreckage.

It’s not yet known how many passengers were on board, or if there were any casualties – however, details have emerged on the 12-metre plane involved.

Flight tracking data suggests the aircraft was a Beech B200 Super King Air, a US built aircraft with a jet turbine that can carry more than 20 people.

EasyJet runs 122 flights per week across 20 routes, cancelled its four evening flights to Paris, Alicante, Faro and Palma de Mallorca.

The airline warned that because the airport is closed until further notice, all flights for the remained of the day have either been diverted to alternative airports or have been cancelled.

Customers have been contacted with options to rebook or get a refund.

A spokesperson said: “Our thoughts are with all those affected by the incident at London Southend airport this afternoon.

“As the airport is currently closed, all remaining flights to and from London Southend today have been diverted to alternative airports or are no longer able to operate.

“We are doing all we can to support our customers and have contacted them directly with options to rebook or receive a refund, and are arranging hotel accommodation and meals for those who require them.

“We advise anyone due to travel from London Southend tomorrow to check our Flight Tracker for the most up to date information on their flight.”

The crashed Beech B200 Super King Air had carried out two flights on Sunday before the crash at Southend airport.

It flew from Athens to Pula airport Sunday morning before starting the three-hour flight to London Southend.

Flight tracking data also showed the plane departing Lelystad in the Netherlands where it is based on Saturday before heading to Memmingen in southern Germany followed by Athens in Greece, The Telegraph reported.

A small plane crashed shortly after takeoff yesterday at London’s Southend Airport, which was closed until further notice, officials and witnesses said.

No information on any casualties was immediately available.

The plane operated by Zeusch Aviation in the Netherlands had flown from Athens, Greece, to Pula, Croatia, on Sunday before heading to Southend. It was due to return to Lelystad, Netherlands, on Sunday evening.

Zeusch Aviation confirmed its SUZ1 flight had been involved in an accident and said the company was supporting the investigation. “Our thoughts are with everyone who has been affected,” its statement said.

British media said the crash involved a Beechcraft B200 Super King Air equipped with medical systems for transporting patients. It’s a turboprop aircraft 12m (39ft) long.

The Transport Secretary said her “thoughts are with all those involved” in the Southend Airport crash and that she is receiving “regular updates”.

In a post on X, Heidi Alexander said: “I’m aware of the tragic incident at Southend Airport this afternoon.

“My thoughts are with all those involved.

“The emergency services are on scene and are advising the public to avoid the area where possible.

“I am monitoring the situation closely and receiving regular updates.”