The airport is hoping to extend the southern end of the terminal to make room for new baggage sorting and screening systems.

Once in place the new equipment will ensure Southend meets the forthcoming European hold baggage security screening standard, which comes into force on September 1, 2018.
 

Meanwhile, a proposed extension to the northern end of the terminal is intended to improve baggage reclaim facilities.

The existing arrivals baggage area will be replaced with a new spacious area offering vastly improved and more flexible reclaim facilities for customers arriving at the airport.

Both extensions are single storey and the airport must now wait to hear from Rochford district council to proceed with the plan.

If planning permission is granted, then construction is expected to start in early 2018, ensuring both sections will be open before the summer peak.

Glyn Jones, chief executive of Stobart Aviation which owns Southend airport, said: “We currently serve over one million passengers a year and more and more people are realising that London Southend offers them a better way to travel.

“This development is all about ensuring we maintain the highest levels of customer experience and ensuring we are able to comply with new regulations.”