London Southend Airport Eyes Expansion After Routes Europe 2024

London Southend Airport (SEN) is poised for significant growth as it strengthens its position in London’s competitive aviation market. At Routes Europe 2024 in Aarhus, the airport showcased its recent route successes and outlined its strategic vision for continued expansion.

Currently, London Southend Airport serves 17 destinations across Europe and Africa, with plans to broaden its network further in 2025. The airport’s catchment area, encompassing 8.2 million people, positions it as a viable alternative for both passengers and airlines looking for options beyond the primary London airports.

A key development is easyJet’s decision to establish its 10th UK base at SEN in March 2025. This new base will initially operate with three Airbus A320neo aircraft and introduce six new routes to sought-after destinations including Pisa, Italy; Gran Canaria, Spain; Dalaman and Antalya, Turkey; Marrakech, Morocco; and Enfidha, Tunisia. These additions will complement easyJet’s existing routes from SEN, which cover destinations such as Alicante, Palma de Mallorca, Malaga, Paris, and Amsterdam.

Additionally, tour operator Balkan Holidays has launched a summer service to Bourgas, Bulgaria, which will operate weekly until September 1. This move aligns with SEN’s strategy to cater to popular winter and summer sun destinations.

Nigel Mayes, Business Development Director at London Southend Airport, highlighted the airport’s focus on expanding its network to include winter ski destinations and city breaks. He emphasized the strategic importance of the new routes in supporting this vision.

Reflecting on the airport’s participation at Routes Europe 2024, Mayes noted the event’s value: “Where else can we see 100 airlines in such a short space of time? Routes Europe has been a huge success for us, and everyone is loving our stand, which helps us show people where we are geographically.”