In the 1970s Southend Airport was huge on holiday package flights to the Mediterranean sun belt. This slowly faded away with Gatwick and especially Stansted becoming bigger and better etc. However, there is a really strong catchment locally, something in the order of 600,000-700,000 people. easyJet seemed to do well until Ryanair came in. It has to be sustainable for all parties and type fact easyJet came back at all is testament to their belief in the airport.. I think things will work out though things will clearly be bumpy financially until a sustainably level of traffic can be attached.