London Southend Airport has acquired permission for an extension of its terminal building from Rochford Council, the local authority.
Phase 1 of the terminal has been operational since February 28, 2012, and the new extension is expected to offer more passenger facilities as the airport grows towards handling around two million passengers a year by 2020.
Easyjet, a UK-based airline, is currently operating out of the newly opened terminal building with three A319 aircraft, providing 70 flights per week to different European destinations, including Barcelona (Spain), Faro (Portugal) and Ibiza (Spain).
The airport managing director, Alastair Welch, said, ‘We are very pleased that Rochford Council has indicated they support this extension, which will ensure that we are able to maintain the high levels of customer service we intend to be the hallmark of London Southend Airport as our passenger numbers grow. This is also further evidence of the role the redeveloped airport is playing in supporting the regeneration of the wider economy.’
The terminal expansion will include a greater number of check-in desks and baggage drop off points, as well as number of security screening channels, baggage reclaim facilities, and a bigger immigration area at the Arrivals Lounge. The Departure Lounge will be extended to provide a more comfortable ambience for passengers waiting to board after clearing security. The expanded terminal building will also be hosting a number of retail and catering facilities.
The airport is connected to London’s Liverpool Street and Stratford railway stations, with a frequent rail service, making it an attractive option for visitors to the 2012 Olympic Games.
