CONFIDENCE is growing that budget airline easyJet could re-open its base at Southend Airport after extra flights were added to two popular destinations throughout the summer season.

EasyJet has put thousands of additional seats on sale to Paris and Palma de Mallorca from Southend Airport in an exciting news welcomed by holiday-makers.

The airline will operate an extra Sunday service to Paris Charles de Gaulle between July and August, in addition to its existing flights on Mondays and Fridays during this period.

easyJet is also adding an extra Thursday flight each week to Palma de Mallorca over the busy peak season between June 27, and October 24.

This will mean up to eight weekly flights to the Spanish hotspot during the summer.

The budget airline closed its base at the airport as the Covid pandemic wreaked havoc on the industry, but Kevin Buck, Conservative councillor responsible for highways, transport, and parking, is hopeful this could be the first step in the base returning. He said: “This is great news for Southend Airport and travellers alike. Southend was a very popular airport to fly from before Covid’s devastating effects almost shut it down completely.

“To see the operator returning more and more flights to Southend is encouraging and I hope, another step in them returning to having an operating base here.

“Southend remains one of the best passenger experience airports to fly from in the UK and is well served by public transport connections with its rail station, meaning you can leave the car at home and still enjoy one of the easiest flying experiences on offer.”

The announcement follows the return of multiple routes from Southend Airport - which is now offering a total of 11 destinations.

John Upton, CEO at Southend Airport, said: “This increase not only enhances connectivity but also provides travellers with more convenient options to explore these two vibrant destinations.

“Southend is committed to continually developing and evolving the travel experience for our passengers, and this expansion is a testament to that dedication.

“The addition of these easyJet services also indicates that demand from people in the east of London, Essex and the wider East Anglia region is still in full flight, and they now have greater opportunities to travel from our quick, easy, and award-winning airport.

“Our dedicated on-site rail station is less than one hour from central London; only 43 minutes from Stratford, London with connections to the Elizabeth Line; and only 100 paces from the terminal door.”