The airport scored 84% in a survey of more than 11,000 people, followed by Humberside at 81%.
Third place was taken by Robin Hood- Doncaster Sheffield with 78% while London City and Southampton were next with a score of 77%.
Southend took the top spot following a £100 million investment programme by owners Stobart Group which has seen a number of new facilities built including a railway station, air traffic control tower and runway extension.
A larger terminal capable of handling more than one million passengers a year is scheduled to open in December.
At the other end of the scale, Luton airport was voted the worst with 43% while Heathrow’s Terminal One came second with 45%. The same airport’s Terminal Three received 46% making it third worst while Belfast scored 48%
Heathrow Terminal Four brought up the rear with 49%.
