General Aviation Plane Crashes at London Southend Airport, Airport Closed Until Further Notice

Update: Southend Airport re-opened on July 17, 2025.

Tragically, a small charter plane from London Southend bound for Lelystad, Netherlands has crashed, and Southend Airport is closed until further notice.

Beech B200 Super King Air crashes at Southend Airport

A 31-year-old Beech B200 crashed at Southend Airport at 3:58 PM this afternoon. This aircraft was operated by Zeusch Aviation, and the aircraft was likely flying back to Lelystad, where the company is based. All four people on the plane were killed, though there were no further ground casualties.

PLANE CRASH AT LONDON SOUTHEND AIRPORT! 😳

A Beechcraft Super King Air light aircraft crashed shortly after takeoff from London Southend Airport, triggering a large fireball visible from the terminal. pic.twitter.com/28stkWqibq

— Keh Ke Peheno (@coolfunnytshirt) July 13, 2025

There are reports of eyewitnesses waving at the pilots, who waved back. The plane then did a 180° to take off, though banked heavily to the left 3-4 seconds after liftoff, and crashed headfirst into the ground into a plume of smoke. Investigators are trying to find out what caused the accident to happen.

What a horrible incident, and my thoughts are with the friends and family of those involved.

Southend Airport cancels flights, is closed until further notice

As you’d expect for an airport with a single runway, Southend Airport is closed until further notice. easyJet flights for the rest of today were cancelled or diverted to other London airports, and the airport is asking all passengers due to fly tomorrow to contact their airline for advice. This includes easyJet flights to Palma de Mallorca, Malta, Pisa, Paris, Dalaman, Enfidha, Malaga, Amsterdam and Faro, as well as an Eastern Airways flight to Newquay.

Unfortunately the airport hasn’t updated status for flights departing even as early as 6:30 AM, so I’d advise passengers to contact easyJet for further information. I understand a tragic incident doesn’t stop uncertainty from being frustrating, though unfortunately I would stay patient and contact the airline around when you’re planning to set off for the airport. If you’re due to fly into Southend, your flight will likely depart to another London airport, or you’ll be booked on a flight there (this isn’t a guarantee – head to the airport for further information).

Southend Airport is closed until further notice

Conclusion

This is a tragic incident, and my thoughts go out to the friends and family of all those on the plane involved. If you’re on a flight to and from Southend in the coming few days, expect disruptions, and stay in touch with your operating carrier.