easyJet Unveils New London Southend to Munich Route – Perfect for Oktoberfest 2026!

Published on December 10, 2025

In a significant development for easyJet, the airline has announced the launch of a new route from London Southend to Munich, starting in September 2026. This new service is set to operate twice a week, on Thursdays and Sundays, throughout the Christmas period, providing travelers with more options to visit Germany’s most iconic city. The route’s introduction comes ahead of Munich’s Oktoberfest, one of the world’s most famous beer festivals, giving passengers the perfect opportunity to experience the unique Bavarian atmosphere, traditional cuisine, and lively celebrations.

Growing EasyJet Network at London Southend

London Southend has quickly become a key hub for easyJet, the largest airline at the airport. This new route to Munich is part of the airline’s ongoing effort to expand its network from the airport. Munich marks the airline’s second destination in Germany, complementing its existing routes and contributing to the growth of the airline’s operations. Just last month, easyJet also launched a new summer route from London Southend to Jersey in the Channel Islands, further diversifying its offering for travelers looking for leisure destinations across Europe and North Africa.

Growth of London Southend as a Strategic Base

Earlier in the year, easyJet established a new base at London Southend, introducing three A320neo aircraft to its fleet at the airport. This move not only strengthens the airline’s position in Southend but also supports around 1,200 jobs, including 140 direct jobs for pilots and cabin crew. This new base has significantly boosted easyJet’s presence at the airport, which now serves 23 routes to various leisure destinations across Europe and North Africa.

The airport’s catchment area, which is approximately the size of Switzerland, serves around eight million people within an hour’s drive. This broad catchment area enhances London Southend’s potential for growth, providing easyJet with valuable opportunities to expand within the UK leisure travel and package holiday markets.

easyJet’s Continued Commitment to Affordable Travel

Kevin Doyle, the UK Country Manager for easyJet, expressed excitement over the launch of the new Munich route, emphasizing the airline’s ongoing commitment to making travel affordable and accessible for its customers. As easyJet celebrates its 30th anniversary, the launch of this route demonstrates the airline’s dedication to providing a wide variety of travel options to its customers. Doyle explained that the new route, available for booking now, would give passengers the chance to attend Munich’s Oktoberfest in 2026, offering fantastic fares and convenient flights for those looking to experience the world-famous festival.

Nigel Mayes, the Business Development Director at London Southend Airport, shared enthusiasm about the new route, highlighting the growing network of services provided by easyJet. Mayes humorously remarked that the airport would likely see many travelers dressed in traditional lederhosen as they make their way to Munich for the festival, showcasing the growing demand for travel to Germany and enhancing the appeal of London Southend as a key airport for such routes.

The Significance of the New Munich Route

The introduction of the Munich route is a significant addition to easyJet’s expanding network. With Munich being one of the most visited cities in Germany, the new route opens up further opportunities for both business and leisure travelers. As the gateway to Bavaria, Munich offers a mix of rich history, world-renowned beer culture, and beautiful landscapes, making it an attractive destination for many.

Munich’s Oktoberfest, scheduled to take place before and after the launch of the route in September 2026, is one of the biggest annual celebrations of its kind in the world. It attracts millions of visitors every year who come to enjoy the lively atmosphere, traditional Bavarian food, and of course, the world-famous beer tents. The timing of easyJet’s Munich route launch aligns perfectly with the festival, making it an ideal choice for anyone looking to experience the excitement of Oktoberfest firsthand.

Increasing Connectivity and Travel Options for UK Passengers

The launch of the Munich route is part of easyJet’s broader strategy to provide even more travel options for UK passengers. As easyJet continues to expand its network from London Southend, it aims to offer more destinations, particularly for those seeking leisure trips in popular European cities. The airline’s focus on connecting London Southend to key cities like Munich reflects its growing commitment to providing more routes for its customers, further strengthening its position in the UK’s competitive aviation market.

easyJet’s Expanding Fleet and Network

In addition to the new route from London Southend to Munich, easyJet has continued to expand its fleet, introducing more A320neo aircraft to support its growing network. With a fleet of modern and fuel-efficient aircraft, the airline is able to offer more flights to a wider range of destinations, ensuring that passengers have greater flexibility and choice when it comes to planning their travel. The new route to Munich is just one example of how easyJet is continuously evolving to meet the needs of its customers and stay competitive in the evolving aviation industry.

Looking Ahead to More Growth

As easyJet continues to grow and diversify its route network, the airline’s success will depend on maintaining affordable fares while expanding its reach to new and exciting destinations. The addition of the Munich route is expected to contribute to the airline’s strong performance in the coming years, particularly as it aligns with the increased demand for travel during the peak summer and Oktoberfest seasons.

The growing popularity of London Southend as an airport hub, combined with easyJet’s continued investment in its fleet and network, suggests that the airline is well-positioned to continue its expansion in both the UK and Europe. Passengers flying from London Southend now have access to more destinations than ever before, making the airport a convenient choice for travelers in the region.