Southend Airport launches flights to Paris

London Southend Airport is thrilled to introduce Paris as its newest destination, providing even more travel opportunities for passengers.

For those in the area desperate to climb the Eifel Tower or frequent the Louvre, Easy Jet have announced the new route to Paris Charles de Gaulle, with flights going on sale today.

On October 29, the popular city will join Amsterdam, Malaga, Majorca and Faro as the airline's fifth offer from the airport, with four flights running per-week.

Nigel Mayes, the Business Development Director at London Southend Airport, shared the exciting news and discussed the positive impact it will have on both locals and the airport's growth.

Expressing his enthusiasm, he stated: "So yes, we've got Paris starting from October 29. It's gonna be 4 weekly, which is great. It gives a nice lot of frequency into Paris, and it's the 5th destination out of London Southend Airport. So what it means is it gives people more choice to fly from their local airport."

He further emphasized the convenience for holidaymakers, claiming: "If we get flights and capacity coming into our airport, it means that people from the South Essex area and east London can access a local flight rather than having to travel further distances to other airports. We believe we can offer a train-to-plane experience that is less than 100 steps. It's very quick and easy to get through the terminal, stress-free."

When asked about the impact on the airport's demand, Mayes confidently replied: "As we get more flights into the airport, it builds momentum within the aviation industry. More people will begin to choose those flights, and as that momentum grows, we can increase the airport's capacity and bring it back to where it was pre-COVID."

Anticipating the busier months, particularly during school holidays, Mayes reassured passengers, saying: "We've made sure that we've got our staff levels right, so you won't be experiencing some of the congestion or troubles that you get at other London airports. Our airport offers a quick passenger experience, with no queues and efficient security screening equipment."

Highlighting the significance of these new holiday offers, Mayes explained: "The destinations are important to attract airlines and showcase the market potential in our catchment area. As the other airports reach capacity, the overflow traffic will naturally flow into London Southend."

Reflecting on the industry's recovery, he said: "Leisure demand has come back very strong, especially for short-haul markets like Turkey and Greece, which have surpassed their pre-COVID levels. People are eager to go on holiday and spend quality time with their families after the restrictions. Business travel, on the other hand, has been slower to rebound."

Mayes shared his excitement about the return of Paris to the airport's list of destinations, saying: "Paris was a much-loved destination, and we used to have it from 2016 up until 2020. It's a great city break destination with so much to see, including Disneyland. Flying to Paris provides a credible and attractive option for people in our catchment area, especially during the half terms and Christmas periods."

London Southend Airport's addition of Paris as a new destination not only expands travel choices for passengers but also signifies a positive step toward the recovery of the aviation industry. With enhanced convenience, competitive services, and growing momentum, London Southend Airport aims to provide a seamless and enjoyable travel experience for all.