More than 1m people choosing East Midlands Airport as their holiday gateway this summer
Summer 2026 is hotting up at East Midlands Airport, with just over one million people expected to travel through it during the school holidays.
With recent official statistics showing East Midlands flights experienced the fourth lowest number of delays across all UK airports last year, it’s the number one choice for an easy way to get away for a growing number of people.
The 1.1m people choosing it as the gateway to their summer break between July 7 and September 7 – covering the school holiday period in areas surrounding the airport – make up a quarter of all passengers expected at East Midlands this year. Thursday July 23 is shaping up to be among the busiest days of the summer, with just under 20,500 passengers expected.
East Midlands customers have 70 popular destinations to choose from in Europe and north Africa, flying with low-cost airlines Jet2, TUI and Ryanair. New destinations this summer include Agadir, Costa de Almeria, Preveza, Thessaloniki, Chania, Pula and Split with Jet2 and Sharm el Sheikh with TUI. A new daily service to Jersey was also launched by freshly arrived airline Loganair for the first time this summer.
People choosing East Midlands Airport this year will benefit from a wide array of improvements in place for summer 2026. This includes:
- A new-look security hall with faster next-generation scanners allowing liquids and electricals to be left in bags
- New and refurbished bars, restaurants and Escape Lounge
- Brand new one-stop WH Smiths shop including health and beauty, food and audio tech along with other pre-flight essentials
- Self-service Meet & Greet kiosks for easy key drop-off and vehicle collection
- A new Little Flyers play zone
- A new quiet room and first-of-its-kind sensory pod for customers who need to get away from the departure lounge hubbub
- Extra seating, upgraded toilets and water fountains
- Cashless payment arrangements for quicker, easier drop-off.
East Midlands Airport Managing Director Steve Griffiths said: “It’s shaping up to be another great summer getaway from East Midlands this year, with new destinations and an even better airport experience than ever.
“With 99.7% of customers clearing security in under 15 minutes and significant improvements to terminal facilities, we’re in a strong position to give people the relaxing, effortless start to their holidays they expect when they fly with us.”