London Southend Airport

London Southend Airport (SEN/EGMC): The UK’s Most Convenient and Rapidly Growing London Hub

London Southend Airport (SEN/EGMC) has successfully transformed into a highly efficient and popular alternative for travellers heading to or from the South East of England. Located approximately 76 km (47 miles) east of Central London in Southend-on-Sea, Essex, SEN proudly lives up to its mantra: “Faster, Easier, Friendlier.” This strategic positioning and dedication to customer experience have cemented SEN’s reputation as a key player in the London aviation landscape, offering a stress-free journey often impossible at the capital’s larger, congested airports.

The airport is not just an alternative; it’s a superior choice for time-conscious passengers and those seeking affordable access to major European leisure and city destinations.

Record-Breaking Growth, Strategic Expansion, and Long-Term Vision

SEN’s recent performance marks a dramatic and sustained resurgence, positioning it as one of the UK’s most dynamic regional airports.

• Exceptional Passenger Volume: Following major strategic investment, London Southend achieved an astonishing 133% year-on-year increase in passenger traffic in 2025, significantly exceeding national growth averages. This milestone confirmed its status as the UK’s fastest-growing commercial airport for the period.
• Capacity and Future-Proofing: The contemporary terminal is engineered to comfortably manage 5 to 6 million passengers annually, ensuring immediate high-volume capacity without the common congestion and slot limitations faced by Heathrow or Gatwick.
• Industry Excellence: Recognised for its success in securing new flight routes and marketing, SEN was awarded the prestigious Best Route Development & Marketing award in the ‘Under 5 Million Passengers’ category at the Routes Europe 2025 Awards.
• Focus on Efficiency: A key competitive advantage is the promise of an average 15-minute journey from the terminal entrance to the departure lounge, ensuring minimal queue times and maximum traveller convenience.

Expanded Route Network and Key Destinations for 2025/2026

The significant network expansion is primarily driven by the long-term partnership with easyJet, which operates a dedicated three-aircraft base at SEN, alongside strategic routes from other major carriers.

• easyJet Base & Network: easyJet now services a comprehensive network of over 20 destinations from London Southend, connecting passengers to key European cities and sought-after holiday regions.
• New Summer Leisure Destinations (2025): The focus on Mediterranean sun is clear with new routes to Reus and Almeria (Spain), Malta, the Canary Islands (Gran Canaria, Tenerife), and Turkish hotspots like Dalaman and Antalya.
• New Winter Services (W25/26): Catering to diverse travel demands, the winter schedule includes city breaks to Berlin and ski access via Grenoble (France) and Salzburg (Austria). Family seasonal favourites, including dedicated flights to Rovaniemi (Lapland), are also available.
• Crucial Domestic Links: The reinstatement and success of the domestic route to Newquay (Cornwall), in partnership with Eastern Airways, provides vital connectivity between the South East and the South West of England.
• Core European Routes: Long-established and popular routes include flights to major hubs like Amsterdam, Faro, Málaga, Palma de Mallorca, and Geneva.

World-Class Terminal Experience and Facilities

London Southend Airport is consistently ranked highly for customer satisfaction, thanks to its modern infrastructure and efficient processes.

• Single Terminal Efficiency: The compact, single-terminal layout eliminates the need for internal transport or long walks, significantly reducing stress for passengers. The entire airport experience is designed for speed and ease.
• Passenger Amenities: Passengers benefit from complimentary, high-speed Wi-Fi throughout the terminal. The retail and dining options include a well-stocked duty-free store, a variety of cafes, and a restaurant, all located conveniently close to the gates.
• Executive Services: While compact, the airport offers premium waiting areas (where available) and streamlined security to enhance the travel experience for business passengers.
• Direct Accommodation: The Holiday Inn Southend is situated immediately next to the terminal, making it the ideal choice for early morning departures or late-night arrivals.

Seamless Ground Transport: Rail, Road, and Parking

SEN boasts unmatched ground connectivity compared to other London airports, especially concerning direct rail links.

• Direct Rail Access: Southend Airport railway station is uniquely located just 40 steps from the check-in area, offering the most convenient airport-to-train transfer in the UK.
  • London Liverpool Street: Fast and frequent service (up to six times per hour during peak times) with a journey time of approximately 52 minutes.
  • London Stratford: Quick connectivity to the East London transport hub in approximately 43 minutes.
  • Affordable Fares: The train journey to London is competitively priced, typically around £18 GBP.
• Road Connections: Easily accessible via the A127 and A12 trunk roads, the airport serves a wide catchment area across Essex and East London.
  • Taxis/Car: A taxi to Central London takes approximately 90 minutes.
• Car Parking Solutions: The airport offers a full range of secure, on-site parking options, including convenient Short-Stay, cost-effective Long-Stay, and efficient Meet & Greet services, all within easy reach of the terminal building.

Airport Contact and Essential Information