Holidaymakers will soon be able jet off to even more sun-drenched destinations from Southend Airport.

Airport chiefs have announced a partnership with Air Malta, which will open up routes to Malta, Sardinia and Sicily starting from this May.

Passengers can already fly to Malta from Southend with Easyjet, but the new venture will mean more of the Mediterranean becomes accessible.

From May 4, Air Malta will be operating three direct flights a week to the bustling city of Valletta - the capital of Malta and 2018s ‘European Capital of Culture’.

Just a three-hour flight away, Malta sits in the middle of the Mediterranean, south of Italy. An archipelago, made up of several islands, it attracts visitors from across the globe for its hot summers and mild winters, as well as its clear blue waters.

Valletta – known as the Fortress City – is a must for tourists, with regular concerts, exhibitions and food festivals.

Air Malta will also be putting on direct flights two times a week to Catania in Sicily. The ancient port city lies on the island’s east coast and sits at the foot of Mount Etna - the tallest active volcano in Europe.

Twice weekly flights to the historic city of Cagliari, the capital of Sardinia, are also planned.

Air Malta is the latest airline to choose Southend - which was recently voted London’s Best Airport for customer service - as a partner.

Tickets are on sale now for all three destinations, via www.airmalta.com and with prices starting from £35 one way.

Glyn Jones, chief executive officer of Stobart Aviation, owners of London Southend Airport, said: “We’re delighted to welcome Air Malta to London Southend – the UK capital’s best and fastest growing airport.

“We look forward to providing an excellent service to passengers wanting to explore Malta, Sicily and Sardinia.”

Dr Charles Mangion, chairman of Air Malta, added: “We are thrilled to be announcing today’s flight services connecting Malta, Sicily, Sardinia and London. This is more good news for Maltese, Sicilian, Sardinian and British tourists alike who now have the opportunity to visit these destinations through Air Malta’s services.”

Passengers can now fly to 34 destinations from Southend - including Amsterdam, Prague, Budapest, Vienna, Cologne, Tenerife, Lanzarote and Ibiza.