easyJet expands Southend base with fourth aircraft

The airline will effectively add another Airbus A320neo to its Southend fleet for summer 2027, increasing its local operation to four aircraft.

The expansion comes with a new service to the Greek island of Rhodes, beginning April 27. Flights will operate twice weekly on Tuesdays and Saturdays, giving travellers another option for Mediterranean vacations without having to travel to larger London airports.

The new route will also be sold as part of easyJet’s package holiday offering. Rhodes is a major European leisure destination, combining beaches and Mediterranean weather with its medieval Old Town, historic sites, villages and established tourism infrastructure.

The airline said the additional aircraft will help it continue expanding its Southend network while supporting local employment. Each UK-based aircraft is estimated to support around 400 direct and indirect jobs and generate approximately £27 million ($36.4 million) in UK gross value added.

Jude Winstanley, CEO of London Southend Airport, described the fourth aircraft as a “vote of confidence” in the airport and its potential.

She said passenger numbers are expected to exceed one million in 2027, while the airport expects to employ more than 400 people directly next year.

The expansion comes as Southend seeks to strengthen its position as an alternative London airport for travellers in East London, Essex and East Anglia.

easyJet has also announced Lyon from December 3, 2026, Sharm El Sheikh from January 4, 2027, and Edinburgh for winter 2026/27, meaning the network will continue expanding before the fourth aircraft arrives.

The airport said easyJet had expanded Southend from seven destinations to 28 in under two years, illustrating how quickly the base has grown.