New route from London Southend.

Snow-capped peaks, charming villages, exhilarating outdoor activity and a rich cultural heritage await in Grenoble, the cultural capital of the French Alps.  With 600,000 yearly visitors and the breathtaking majesty of the mountains with access to Val-d'Isère, Tignes and Méribel as part of Les 3 Vallées. 

There are numerous homemade Alpine cooking at local bistros alongside gourmet delights in some of the region's best restaurants are just waiting to be explored in Grenoble. The city comes alive with cafés, bars and venues offering a taste of vibrant local nightlife.  

Families, foodies and thrill-seekers alike flock to Grenoble for the pinnacle of the French Alps experience. 

Flights from London Southend will commence on Sunday, January 14, 2024.

Welcome to London Southend Airport #FlyLondonSouthend

London Southend Airport announces route to Bourgas, Bulgaria for summer 2024

London Southend Airport has unveiled the latest addition to its expanding list of summer destinations, the stunning coastal city of Bourgas, Bulgaria.   

On sale now, the holiday route will begin operating from Monday, June 17, 2024 with flights every Monday.  

The new charter service, operated by Balkan Holidays, will run for 13 weeks until Monday, September 2, 2024 and is one of several new routes from London Southend Airport, including Paris, Geneva and the relaunch of easyJet flights to Amsterdam, Malaga, Mallorca and Faro. 

Picturesque beaches, unbeatable allure and cultural legacies beckon on the Black Sea coast. Marvel at panoramic views of the shimmering sea and stroll along the scenic Sea Garden promenade. Explore the charming Old Town, where history seamlessly intertwines with modernity and you can indulge in vibrant markets and mouth-watering cuisine.

Check availability and prices here

For adventure seekers, Bourgas is a gateway to captivating natural wonders. Embark on exhilarating journeys to nearby Strandzha Nature Park, with lush forests and hidden waterfalls. Discover the ancient city of Nessebar, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and enjoy the tranquillity of Pomorie Lake.

Buurgas offers a perfect blend of relaxation and exploration, with captivating coastal scenery, rich cultural heritage, and a myriad of activities. 

Whether you want a serene beach getaway, history and culture, or an adventurous escapade, Bourgas promises an unforgettable holiday experience that will leave you yearning to return.

Packages with Balkan Holidays start from £550 per person with the first departure on Monday, June 17, 2024.

London Southend Airport CEO John Upton said: “We are delighted to be working with our new tour operator partner Balkan Holidays, launching another new route from London’s quick and easy airport. People living in London, Essex and across the southeast of England can choose this destination for summer 2024 and travel to us, by train, within 43 minutes from London Stratford.  

“This announcement is further assurance of our commitment to rebuilding London Southend Airport and a great example of our growth opportunity. We are confident that there is more to come for summer 2024.” 

Chris Rand, Balkan Holidays Marketing Manager said: “Our holidays to the beautiful Black Sea coast of Bulgaria are very popular so we are thrilled to be offering flights from London Southend Airport for summer 2024 giving people across Essex, London, East Anglia and beyond easy and convenient access to our great value for money and high-quality holidays.” 

Check availability and prices here

London Southend Airport to introduce a new route to Geneva.

London Southend Airport is delighted to introduce a new route to Geneva, giving local people the chance to embark on thrilling winter adventures, hit the slopes in this premier ski destination or explore the wider region.

Where can you fly to?

In the heart of the Swiss Alps, Geneva is a captivating city sitting on the stunning Lake Geneva - or Lac Léman, as the locals call it. 

Stand in awe of the breathtaking Jet d'Eau fountain, towering high above the shimmering waters, and step into the birthplace of global diplomacy, the majestic Palace of Nations. That's not all – Geneva is home to a lively cultural scene, exceptional shopping experiences and Michelin-starred dining. 

A central location makes Geneva an ideal base for exploring more of Europe, with day trips to nearby mountain resorts like Chamonix in France and Zermatt near the Italian border drawing thousands every year.  

From the vibrant cultural scene to the great outdoors, Geneva's awe-inspiring landmarks, stunning landscapes and unforgettable experiences will leave you breathless... and we don't just mean from your efforts in shredding the ski slopes. Expect up to 2 flights per week on Wednesdays and Saturdays with the first departure from Saturday, December 16.

Carlyle Global Infrastructure invests in London Southend Airport

The Board of Esken Limited has announced a massive deal with Carlyle Global Infrastructure for the conditional investment of £125 million through a senior loan facility which is convertible into 29.999 per cent stake in London Southend Airport SEN. 

In addition to the funding being provided, CGI brings significant expertise in investing in and developing airports around the world. This, together with the experienced operational team at LSA will enhance Esken's offering for existing and prospective airline and logistics partners.

David Shearer – Executive Chairman, Esken said  "CGI represents a true strategic development partner that will enable us to realise the full potential of LSA. Carlyle is a global investment firm with $260 billion under management.

The combination of the proven operational capability of the LSA management along with the airport development experience of CGI and its financial strength will provide a strong platform as we rebuild our commercial relationships with our airline and other partners into the recovery.

We aim to work closely together to develop a truly exciting London airport proposition. This transaction is structured to release £20 million of funding into LSA to support its recovery and development while providing £100 million of liquidity to the rest of Esken.

Do you have a fear of flying? ✈️

Do you know someone with a fear of flying or does flying make you anxious?

Even though flying is the safest form of transport, it’s estimated that at least one in six people have a fear of flying.

This fear can be made up of multiple aspects including:

️ Technical fears about something going wrong ️

️ The fear of turbulence, take-off or landing ️

️ A fear of heights ️

️ The fear of enclosed spaces ️

️ The fear of being out of control ️

️ A fear of falling ️

️ The fear of the unknown ️

️ The fear of having a panic attack ️

Whether your fear is based around any of these issues or any other fear, easyJet has created a highly successful course to help passengers feel more confident and relaxed while flying.

This course is now coming to London Southend Airport for the first time on Wednesday 22nd April 2020.

The course from easyJet includes two main aspects, the ground course - During the 3 hour ground course, a senior easyJet pilot will go through all of the misconceptions that you may have about flying and will answer any questions or concerns you may have! Then the course's host Lawrence Leyton will teach you a series of coping techniques and strategies.

The second main part of the course is the special Experience Flight!  Following the ground course, the team at London Southend Airport look forward to welcoming you on your Experience Flight. 

The flight is up to one hour in duration and will take place on an easyJet aircraft. Once onboard, your presenting pilot, who will be in the cabin with you, will talk you through every part of the journey.

City of Derry Airport and London flights to strengthen ties across the UK

Air route will boost trade and travel opportunities and secure jobs in Derry-Londonderry

Photo Loganair

People in Derry-Londonderry will continue to enjoy the benefits of direct flights to London thanks to renewed funding from the UK government, the Transport Secretary has announced.

Grant Shapps has confirmed that the UK government, in partnership with the Department for the Economy in Northern Ireland, will continue to subsidise the route between City of Derry Airport and London, with the final destination switching from Stansted to Southend Airport.

The decision demonstrates the government’s continued support for the union and follows the Prime Minister’s promise of £300 million in extra funding to boost growth in the devolved nations.

Grant Shapps, Secretary of State for Transport, said: "This announcement is another demonstration of how the UK government and its resources enhance the everyday lives of the people of Northern Ireland.

I’m backing this route because I understand just how important these daily direct flights linking London and Northern Ireland are. Whether it brings businesses together or reunites loved ones it will enhance connections across the UK."

This public service obligation (PSO) protects an important route which provides a valuable connection for businesses in the region, maintaining 26 flights per week on a 49 seater aircraft. Up to 6 direct trains an hour from London Southend Airport also provide a connection to the City of London in just over 50 minutes.

easyJet set for busiest summer ever at London Southend

Photo easyJet

easyJet the largest airline at London Southend Airport, is gearing up to fly a record number of passengers from the airport this summer.  Throughout the summer the airline is expected to carry over 830,000 passengers - an increase of over 20% year on year - helped by new routes and aircraft introduced over the last year to Prague, Bordeaux and Dubrovnik and Pula in Croatia.

easyJet will also celebrate flying 6m passengers to and from the airport this summer since it launched operations from Southend over seven years ago.

Four brand new routes have joined the easyJet Southend network over the last year, bringing the total routes now available for passengers to 21 all served by the addition of an extra aircraft brought in this year. 

easyJet now bases four aircraft at the airport supporting the provision of great value summer breaks or low-fared commutes for even more passengers. The additional aircraft will provide additional seats for customers looking to travel to and from Southend this summer.

Ryanair opens a base at London's Southend Airport with 3 aircraft and 14 routes

Ryanair, the low-fare-high-fee airline from the UK has opened a new base at London Southend with 3 aircraft and commenced its summer 19 schedules with 14 new routes.  On the schedule from Southern are popular holiday hotspots of  Alicante, Corfu, Faro and Milan Bergamo. 

Ryanair’s Chiara Ravara said: "We’re pleased to open our new London Southend base, with 3 based aircraft, an investment of $300m, and kick off 14 new routes, which will deliver 1m customers p.a. and support 750 jobs at London Southend Airport this year."

Stansted boss wants better transport links

The Chief Executive Officer of London Stansted, Ken O’Toole, today called on local businesses, community leaders and regional organisations to make their voices heard and press Government for upgrades to the rail links to the airport.

Addressing over 150 delegates at the annual Stansted Area Transport Forum, Mr O’Toole said better connectivity in and out of the airport will further boost the local economy, make new journeys viable for local residents, ease access for the 12,000 on-site workforce and help attract a greater number of airlines and new destinations.

Mr O’Toole asked attendees to use the on-going Aviation Strategy consultation process as an opportunity to communicate direct to Government the need for better rail connections into Stansted.

New aircraft stands increase capacity at London Stansted Airport

London Stansted Airport has completed the first phase in its amazing £600 million transformation programme this week, with the operational opening of four new parking stands.

The echo stand extension, spanning 40,000m², is the size of four premiership football pitches and boosts the airport’s ability to handle more aircraft during peak hours, helping to make airfield operations more efficient. 

A total of 23,000m³ of concrete was poured, 15 km of drainage pipes and 1850 metres of cabling laid during the seven-month-long development project by the main contractors, VolkerFitzpatrick.

The second phase is already underway at the airport and will include new taxiways, additional aircraft holding areas and a further 20 new aircraft stands, which will make a major milestone in the airport's development. 

Southend Airport Fire

Firefighters were called to a major incident at London Southend Airport this morning that caused alarm among local residents.  Plumes of dark smoke could be seen from miles around the airport and some fearing a crash or explosion.

When firefighters arrived at the scene they found a large hangar, which is used to paint aircraft, was well alight. Six fire engines were requested to help tackle the fire. Luckily the hangar did not have any aeroplanes inside at the time of the fire.

Southend Airport remained open during the fire - "Essex County Fire and Rescue Service is currently dealing with an incident at the Air Livery hanger on the north side of the airfield. London Southend Airport is still open and operating as normal". They said in a statement.

By 1240 the firefighters have almost completely extinguished the fire. Firefighters are using thermal imaging cameras to find remaining hot spots which they will then dampening down to ensure they are completely cooled and extinguished.

A full investigation will be carried out to find the cause of the fire, however at this stage the fire service believe the fire started accidentally.

All photos courtesy of Essex County Fire and Rescue Service.