
The future of Southend Airport has been plunged into uncertainty after its owner Esken faced abrupt demands to urgently repay a near £200-million loan, the firm warned today.
Southend could end up suspending operations, according to Esken chair David Shearer, if lender Carlyle pushes ahead with plans to force through repayment of a £194 million convertible loan within days when it had been set to mature in August 2028. Shearer said he was “doing everything I can” to avoid this worst-case scenario unfolding.