The skies above Southend are set to come alive this weekend as the world-famous Red Arrows and historic Battle of Britain aircraft fly in and out of Southend Airport.
Southend is playing host as a temporary base for the aircraft, which are performing at the Battle of Britain Airshow at Headcorn in Kent. Alongside the Red Arrows, spectators will also have the rare chance to see a Hurricane, a Spitfire and a Lancaster Bomber arriving and departing from Southend Airport.
Flight timings and routes
The Red Arrows will make their first flypast over the Southend seafront on Sunday 29 June, expected between 2:30pm and 2:40pm, flying in along the coastline. They’ll then take off from the airport at 5:00pm, heading out over Rochford and Hockley, before returning again at around 5:50pm, this time approaching from over the Thames Estuary – offering a spectacular mini-airshow for seafront onlookers.
The full aircraft schedule is:
Saturday 28 June 2025
- 14:10 – Hurricane arrives at Southend Airport
- 15:22 – Spitfire arrives
- 16:20 – Lancaster Bomber arrives
Sunday 29 June 2025
- 11:38 – Lancaster Bomber departs
- 12:53 – Hurricane and Spitfire depart
- 14:40 – Red Arrows arrive
- 17:00 – Red Arrows depart
- 17:50 – Red Arrows return
Monday 30 June 2025
- Red Arrows depart Southend Airport one by one throughout the day
Note that all times are subject to change depending on weather and operational needs.
Top plane spotting locations around Southend Airport
If you’re hoping to catch a glimpse of the Red Arrows or the historic aircraft as they land or take off, there are several recommended viewing spots:
- Eastwoodbury Lane Raised Footpath – A raised path next to the road gives a clear view over the airport fence and onto the runway.
- St Laurence & All Saints Church – You can park nearby, but do respect churchgoers and do not block emergency access gates.
- Southend Airport Mid Stay Car Park – Ideal for viewing, but it’s a paid car park intended for airport users, so walk in if possible.
- Black Box Brewery, 18-19 Aviation Way – Grab a local craft beer and watch the aircraft outside. The brewery is only open at set times – check their website before visiting.
Thanks to Aaron Chesham, Military Airshows and Sam Hall for flight data and updates.