EasyJet Launches New Base at Southend Airport to Serve 20 Destinations
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EasyJet has officially opened its 10th UK base at London Southend Airport (SEN), marking a major expansion of the airline’s operations in southeast England. This strategic move introduces 20 leisure-focused routes across Europe and North Africa, supported by the deployment of three Airbus A320neo aircraft at the airport.
The new base will enable easyJet to operate 122 flights per week—more than double its previous schedule at Southend—serving popular destinations such as Alicante, Palma de Mallorca, Malaga, Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG), Amsterdam (AMS), Faro (FAO), Geneva (GVA), Gran Canaria (LPA), Malta (MLA), Pisa (PSA), Dalaman (DLM), Enfidha (NBE), Almeria (LEI), Reus (REU), Antalya (AYT), Tenerife (TFS), and Marrakech (RAK).
In addition to these established routes, easyJet is introducing three new destinations from SEN:
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Barcelona (BCN): Flights begin October 26 and will operate twice weekly on Thursdays and Sundays.
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Lanzarote (ACE): Starting October 27, with service three times weekly on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays.
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Salzburg (SZG): Operating twice weekly on Saturdays throughout the winter season, beginning December 6.
The airline previously ceased flights at Southend in September 2020 due to the pandemic but resumed limited operations in May 2022. This full-scale relaunch with a permanent base is expected to support around 1,200 jobs, including 140 direct roles for pilots and cabin crew.
Garry Wilson, CEO of easyJet Holidays, commented on the launch: “With flights and thousands of package holidays now available to 20 destinations from London Southend, this will not only enable us to serve many more customers, providing value and more choice, but also supports critical connectivity and jobs for the UK, as we get set for our biggest ever summer.”
EasyJet is now the leading airline by capacity at Southend Airport, positioning it as a key hub for value-driven leisure travel.
Bottom Line
EasyJet’s return to Southend Airport (SEN) with a fully operational base underscores the airline’s confidence in post-pandemic travel recovery and demand for affordable leisure routes. With 20 destinations, three stationed A320neo aircraft, and a significant employment boost, the expansion not only enhances UK regional airport connectivity but also reinforces Southend’s growing importance in Europe’s low-cost travel network.
