I thought easyjet had aircraft which are equipped with fewer fuel tanks and are subsequently lighter than A319s operated by most other airlines.
Anyway, from what I am aware of, there is greater substance to the easyjet rumour than 'North South' would like to believe. I'm sure an A319 might struggle to get to Larnaca from Southend, but there are far more much closer worthwhile destinations which they may be interested to explore.