London Southend Airport Gears Up for Summer Travel with easyJet’s Resumed Operations and Future Expansion Plans

Low-cost airline easyJet resumed seasonal flight operations from London Southend Airport to Palma de Mallorca Airport earlier this week, on May 1. With several more scheduled to resume at the end of this month, Palma will be Southend’s second summer destination this year to return with flights.

The first 50 travelers to cross through airport security were given the opportunity to indulge in a “palm-leaf” Palma cupcake and take a selfie in the designated selfie area, The Snug, to commemorate the somewhat official relaunch of aircraft operations from London Southend Airport.

The easyJet flight U2 7008, which was the first summer destination the low-cost carrier resumed earlier this year on 29th March, and the one U2 7262, which was departing for Palma de Mallorca Airport, were both shown on a Facebook live stream from the air traffic control tower.

John Upton, the airport’s CEO, emphasized the unofficial yet formal commencement of summer airline services from London Southend Airport. He also noted: “Millions of people living in east London and the east of England need an airport that they can get to quickly and easily – Southend Airport is just that. We know that our passengers are our greatest advocates. That’s why we are working night and day to secure more destinations and more airline partners. We look forward to providing updates on our progress.”

EasyJet’s return also serves as a reminder that it is the sole airline operating flights from Southend Airport this year after Ryanair and Wizz Air withdrew due to declining passenger numbers two summers ago. Airport operations came to a complete standstill as a result of the decline in active airlines, with London Southend Airport’s annual passenger volume decreasing to under 100,000 in 2017.

The sixth main airport in London didn’t have very good stats, therefore its administration has been looking for both new and old airline partners to increase its popularity and passenger volume in a very competitive industry. Thankfully, easyJet took the hook and has already resumed two flight services and has two more booked. These are the resumed flights to Amsterdam and Faro, which will start on 24th May.

The airport can offer capacity relief for the other main London airports or perhaps an alternative and possibly less expensive link compared to them, especially during the busy summer months. Hopefully, Southend Airport can entice even more airline partners to return or establish operations.