London Southend Airport’s Future Vision Under New Ownership

Carlyle Airport Group (CAG) has taken a strategic stake in London Southend Airport earlier this year, citing its prime location as a key factor in their investment decision, according to CEO Amit Rikhy. Speaking at the London Aviation Symposium, Rikhy highlighted Southend’s unique advantage as the only London-area airport with available capacity amid constraints at larger hubs like Gatwick, Luton, Stansted, and Heathrow.

Located 41 miles east of central London, Southend Airport has seen renewed interest since its refurbishment in 2012, evolving from its historical role as an MRO site to a viable passenger hub. Rikhy emphasized the shifting demographic trends towards east London, driven by urban development and rising affluence, particularly in areas like Stratford, home to the 2012 Olympics.

Despite its modest size, with a terminal capacity of 3.5 million passengers annually, Southend benefits from a catchment area of approximately 8.2 million people, characterized by higher-than-average household incomes. Operational advantages include a single runway capable of accommodating Boeing 737 and Airbus A320 aircraft, with plans for expansion to handle newer models like the A320neo and Boeing MAX variants.

The airport’s connectivity is bolstered by an adjacent railway station providing swift access to central London in just over 50 minutes, distinguishing it as the only London airport operating 24/7 without curfews. Currently focusing on leisure routes, especially to Mediterranean destinations, Southend aims to build awareness through targeted marketing initiatives and enhance passenger experience with investments in technology and infrastructure upgrades.

Looking ahead, Rikhy outlined ambitions for Southend’s growth, envisioning a capacity expansion to 10 million passengers facilitated by planned terminal extensions and operational enhancements aimed at improving efficiency and customer satisfaction.