If airports are a barometer of how – and how much – we’re travelling, London Southend Airport had a healthy pulse in 2025. Behind the departures board, the year tells a story of steady growth, shifting habits and a return to travel that feels relaxed rather than rushed.
By October, more than 600,000 passengers had passed through Southend’s terminal. That figure includes a broad range of journeys: families heading off together, city-break regulars chasing culture, and solo travellers booking trips on a whim. For many, the journey began months earlier – nearly 590,000 people visited the airport’s website to plan routes and check flights, with more than 265,000 clicking through to airline partners to turn browsing into bookings.
Across the year, 24,500 flights departed from and landed at Southend, powered by 16.3 million litres of aviation fuel and carrying 347,213 checked bags to destinations across Europe. It’s a reminder that while travel can feel personal, it runs on industrial precision behind the scenes.
Airports, of course, are as much about waiting as they are about going – and 2025 showed some clear patterns. Nearly 18,000 pints were poured airside, confirming that the pre-flight drink remains a non-negotiable part of the holiday experience. Others opted for quieter escapes: 1,100 SKYLIFE Lounge bookings offered space to pause, while 16,718 retail purchases – snacks, chargers and last-minute essentials – reflected travellers settling into holiday mode well before boarding was called.
Getting there mattered too. 235,000 passengers arrived by train, reinforcing Southend’s reputation as one of London’s better-connected airports. For those driving, 17,700 vehicles passed through the car parks, completing the final stretch from home to departure gate.
Keeping everything moving required people as well as numbers. For summer 2025, Southend increased its workforce by 52%, expanding teams across check-in, security and airside operations to handle the seasonal surge.
Recognition followed. The airport picked up a Routes Award, reflecting its expanding network, while its Jet Centre recorded a 20% increase in revenue, signalling strong demand from business and private aviation. Passenger satisfaction remained high throughout the year, suggesting that growth did not come at the expense of experience.
Taken together, the figures paint a picture of an airport that has found its rhythm – busy without being bruising. For London Southend Airport, 2025 wasn’t just about volume. It was about journeys beginning smoothly.
And yes – someone, somewhere, definitely ordered that 17,725th pint.
