easyJet has opened a new three-aircraft base at London Southend Airport, marking a significant expansion of its operations.

The airline will operate 122 weekly flights across 20 routes from the Essex airport, creating 140 new jobs in the region.


This development represents a major return for easyJet, which was forced to withdraw from Southend in August 2020 due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

While the carrier resumed some flights at the airport in May 2022, this new base means EasyJet aircraft will now be permanently stationed at Southend.

easyJet plane taking off

This development represents a major return for EasyJet

PA

The airline was previously the airport’s largest passenger carrier, handling approximately half of all customers passing through its gates before the pandemic.

The 122 weekly flights represent a 133 per cent increase from last summer’s schedule.

EasyJet is launching 13 new destinations from Southend this year, with routes spanning across Europe and North Africa. New destinations include Gran Canaria and Reus in Spain.

Company CEO Gary Wilson highlighted the benefits of the new base, saying it will help the airline “serve many more customers, providing value and more choice”.

He added that the expansion “supports critical connectivity and jobs for the UK”.

This development comes after the airport’s owner Esken sold an 82.5 per cent stake in the business to US private equity firm Carlyle in March 2024.

Southend Airport faced significant challenges during the pandemic when EasyJet withdrew in 2020.

The Covid lockdowns resulted in a 90 per cent reduction in passenger numbers at the Essex hub.

The situation worsened when Ryanair and Wizz Air also pulled out of Southend.

easyJet and Ryanair planes

The revival of EasyJet’s presence at Southend represents a positive turnaround for the airport

PA

For a period, passenger flights ceased altogether at the airport. These disruptions led to substantial financial losses for the airport.

But the revival of easyJet’s presence at Southend represents a significant turnaround for the airport.

London Southend Airport CEO John Upton has previously expressed optimism about the airline’s return.

He stated that the new base “is indicative of the demand from people in the east of London, Essex and the wider East Anglia”.

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