easyJet, a leading budget airline, has revealed plans to open a new base at Southend Airport, introducing six new routes to popular destinations for the summer of 2025.
The establishment of this base, which will mark the airline’s 10th in the UK, is set to feature three state-of-the-art 186-seat neo aircraft and create approximately 130 new employment opportunities in the area starting from March next year.
The expansion, facilitated by the addition of more aircraft, will enable easyJet to launch exciting new routes to sought-after destinations including Pisa, Gran Canaria, Dalaman, Antalya, Marrakech, and Enfidha in Tunisia.
easyJet, which already operates routes to prominent cities such as Amsterdam, Geneva, Faro, Palma de Mallorca, Malaga, and Paris Charles de Gaulle, has served over seven million customers from London Southend since commencing operations there in 2012.
From tomorrow onwards, easyJet holidays will be available for booking, with departure dates starting from May 1, 2025. This means that package holiday options from London Southend will be accessible seven days a week, providing travelers with increased flexibility and convenience.
The decision to establish a base at Southend Airport comes after the airline temporarily closed its operations there during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, reflecting its confidence in the recovery of the travel industry.
Commenting on the announcement, Johan Lundgren, CEO of easyJet, expressed his delight, stating: “We are delighted to be announcing another three-aircraft base in the UK, at London Southend Airport. This will create hundreds of jobs and provide more choice for consumers with new routes and package holidays.”
John Upton, CEO of London Southend Airport, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the positive impact the new base will have on the local economy and the enhanced travel options it will offer to residents in the region.
We’re thrilled to welcome an easyJet base to London Southend, supporting and creating hundreds of jobs locally as well as convenient, new and returning connections to many popular leisure and city destinations,” said Upton.
The move underscores easyJet’s commitment to the UK market and its dedication to providing customers with affordable and accessible travel options, bolstering the airline’s position as a preferred choice for travelers.
