September saw a 6.3% increase on the previous year, amounting to an extra 36,000 tonnes of goods. This contributed towards a total of 210,807 tonnes handled so far this year – an increase of almost 10,000 tonnes, or 5% higher than this time last year.

The latest statistics come before the airport even reaches its busiest period for cargo, in the run-up to Black Friday and Christmas as goods are ordered from all over the globe.

East Midlands’ operation, anchored by logistics giants DHL, UPS and FedEx, supports special cargo-only aircraft that connect to a network of 185 major cities around the world. This offers unrivalled next-day delivery when coupled with the airport’s strategic central location in the UK.

The strong performance builds on a year when the airport topped 400,000 tonnes for the first time since the pandemic and whose increased yields represented more than a third of all cargo growth in the UK. The airport’s cargo operation in particular has driven a £6.2bn economic boost in 2025 - equating to 52,000 jobs supported throughout the UK, 42% of them in the Midlands.

East Midlands Airport’s Commercial Director Adam Andrews said: “Achieving year-on-year growth on top of a record-breaking year for our cargo operation demonstrates how well placed we are to serve the UK’s air cargo needs.

“The way our twin operations for passengers and freight operate in parallel, not in conflict with each other, puts us in a unique position to continue to grow our cargo capabilities. It’s great to see these figures growing ahead of what is traditionally our busiest period.”

Following the successful introduction of flights and holidays to Tunisia for summer 2027, the award-winning airline and UK’s largest tour operator has moved to operate longer seasons beyond summer, giving customers and independent travel agents across the East Midlands even more opportunities to enjoy the North African sunshine hotspot.

The extended programme means flights from East Midlands Airport to Enfidha-Hammamet International Airport will continue beyond the end of the Summer 2027 season, operating right through to 27th November 2027, before resuming from 12th February 2028 and operating throughout Summer 28. Services will operate a weekly Saturday service, providing customers with plenty of choice and flexibility when booking a winter sunshine getaway. Previously, flights had been scheduled to operate until 30^th October 2027.

As a result of the expansion, holidaymakers across the East Midlands now have even more choice when it comes to escaping the colder months and enjoying some winter sun. It also gives families more opportunities to enjoy Tunisia during popular school holiday periods, including the October and February half-term breaks.

Since announcing the new destination back in June, holidays to Tunisia have proven extremely popular with customers looking to experience the destination's golden beaches, year-round sunshine, rich culture and fascinating history. Tunisia offers holidaymakers the chance to explore ancient Roman ruins, bustling medinas and spectacular desert scenery. Customers can choose from a range of popular resorts including Hammamet, Yasmine Hammamet, Port el Kantaoui, Sousse, Skanes and Mahdia, each offering their own mix of authentic charm and beautiful coastline views.

Steve Heapy, CEO of Jet2, said: "The response to the launch of Tunisia for Summer 2027 has been fantastic. With plenty of demand from customers and independent travel agents looking to book early and looking to book Tunisia for some winter sunshine, we are delighted to be extending our programme from East Midlands Airport."

"This expansion gives customers across the East Midlands even more opportunities to enjoy everything that Tunisia has to offer, whilst enjoying our industry-leading customer service. We know there is enormous appetite for this destination, and we are pleased to be responding by offering customers greater choice and flexibility when planning their holidays."

Steve Griffiths, Managing Director at East Midlands Airport, said: “We welcome Jet2’s extension of their Tunisia flights beyond the end of next summer. We recorded this year’s biggest monthly passenger increase in September, clearly showing there is growing demand for flights outside the peak season. I’ve no doubt the warmth of North Africa will appeal to our customers late next year and early 2028.”

Jet2's extended Tunisia programme from East Midlands Airport – Weekly Saturday services to Enfidha, operating until 27th November 2027 and resuming from 12th February 2028.

For further information visit www.Jet2.com, www.Jet2holidays.com or independent travel agents can visit www.trade.jet2holidays.com

The popular hub that’s renowned for providing effortless travel now offers even easier security checks at both ends of the journey. New scanners on the way out make things quicker by letting passengers leave electricals and liquids in bags, while on their return home, Brits can now leave passports in their bags after East Midlands became the first UK airport to introduce facial recognition eGates.

The only difficult decision is where to fly to. Here are six of the best city breaks from East Midlands Airport this October half term:

·       Berlin (pictured) has evolved into a unified and effortlessly cool city with a reputation for its party-hard spirit. Hip bars pull in a trendy crowd of locals and tourists, particularly in the Mitte and Charlottenburg districts, and if you delve into the nightlife scene, you’ll discover everything from secret jazz clubs to boisterous beer halls, to intense all-nighter techno clubs.

Berlin boasts hundreds of museums and galleries, as well as era-defining graffiti and street art from anti-government protestors in the 1960s. East Side Gallery is one of the best places to see street art, and it’s an iconic landmark – the longest outdoor art gallery in the world. But Berlin’s bohemia is artfully balanced with an elegant and upmarket city vibe too, with grand luxury hotels and Michelin Star restaurants ensuring it keeps its chic European status.

Flight time 1hr 50mins, temperature 12°C

·       Barcelona is one of the world’s most dynamic and stylish cities. It buzzes all year round with cutting edge restaurants, contemporary style, music, and good vibes.

Barcelona has a wide spectrum of different accommodation options, from no-frills and budget-friendly, to classic five-star stylings and comfort. Shopping boulevards are home to designer stores, while the creative El Born district is great for quirkier independent outlets. In the middle of the famous La Rambla you’ll find Boqueria Market where you can sit and enjoy a glass of cava after browsing the heady mixture of food stalls.

The artist Gaudi is behind many of Barcelona’s cultural highlights, and you can spot his influence on buildings all over the city. A tour of the incredible Sagrada Familia and a walk around the colourful Park Güell should be on your list of top things to do here. Fans of modern art should also visit the Picasso Museum and the Fundació Joan Miró. 

Flight time 2hrs 30mins, temperature 22°C

·       Dublin is another great spot for a fabulous city break that’s not too far away from home. If you’re here to discover more about one of its most famous exports, head to The Guinness Storehouse, a superb tourist attraction with floor after floor of fun facts about the black stuff. There are plenty of other fascinating galleries and museums here, and Trinity College is a gorgeous place to explore.

Dublin boasts a fun and fashionable shopping scene where curio shops mingle with flashy department stores, designer boutiques and Victorian arcades. The city’s retail heartland runs from O’Connell Street to Grafton Street, home to the famous Brown Thomas department store and Powerscourt Town House shopping centre. Trendy Temple Bar has some unique little shops, Nassau Street is good for traditional Irish crafts, and Francis Street is the place for antiques and boozy souvenirs.

Dublin has blossomed into a foodie mecca, with sophisticated restaurants offering creative menus using local produce and international flavours. Traditional Irish dishes can be enjoyed with a Guinness in Temple Bar’s many long-established pubs.

Flight time 1hr, temperatures around 15°C

·       Budapest is an intriguing city with surprises around every corner. Belle Époque-era opulence sits beside contemporary street art, and Michelin-starred restaurants sit alongside trendy street food stalls. It’s also home to ‘ruin pubs’, a collection of different bars which have taken over abandoned buildings decked out with graffiti, plants, and furniture.

These fascinating contrasts mean visitors can range from backpackers and bloggers to boozy stag and hen groups and city breakers. Culture-seekers also flock to the city to soak up the nouveau architecture and relax in one of Budapest’s world-famous thermal baths, which are a must-visit as part of the Budapest experience.

Flight time 2hrs 50mins, temperature 15°C

·       Kraków boasts a beautiful Old Town and impressive buildings, and balances the historic with the cosmopolitan. Its medieval town square is the largest in Europe, with cafés, museums, bars, shops, town houses, historical landmarks, and places to stay.

Kraków is full of excellent galleries and museums, and you can save on admission prices if you buy a KrakowCard. Be sure to visit the Cathedral and the magnificent 16th Century red-roof turrets of the Royal Apartments. With attractions so close together, Kraków is the ideal city to explore on foot. 

The Old Town was one of the first ever urban UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and is where you’ll find many charming bars and restaurants serving Polish and Eastern European specialities. And if you’re keen to really explore authentic Polish cuisine, guided tasting tours are very popular.

Flight time 3hrs 40mins, temperature 11°C

·       Prague, along with its many cultural and historical attractions, is also a lively and contemporary spot with an extensive range of bars where visitors can get a feel for the local passion for pilsner.

Prague’s fascinating history can be uncovered through an abundance of museums and attractions on every corner. The Charles Bridge over the Vltava River connects the Old Town to Prague Castle, an enormous fortification which has been a seat of power for centuries. Here you’ll also find the gothic St Vitus Cathedral from which you can get great views of the city.

If you fancy doing a bit of shopping, head to the Old Town and Wenceslas Square. Make sure you explore the side streets around the square as it’s the best way to stumble across even more places to eat and drink, from grand historic cafes to trendy restaurants.

Flight time 2hrs 15mins, temperature 13°C

Flights can be booked here: https://www.eastmidlandsairport.com/flights-and-hotels/book-flights/

The JET Pathways campaign by the Jon Egging Trust, backed by the Department for Transport (DfT) and UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), provides young people with access to inspiring careers content, including real-life stories from industry professionals, day-in-the-life profiles, careers videos and information about a wide range of roles and industries – involving contributors from East Midlands Airport.

Lauren Turner, a DfT Aviation Ambassador and Operations Director at East Midlands Airport, features in the video explaining that whatever young people’s skills and interests are, there are hundreds of thousands of jobs across the aviation industry that could be suitable for them. East Midlands Airport and other staff also form some of the backdrop in the campaign video.

The campaign launch comes as East Midlands Airport publishes its latest Sustainability Progress Update Report, which outlines how over the 2025/6 financial year, the airport supported 3,100 people through its employment outreach programmes and Airport Academy course and 1,300 young people attended its on-site Aerozone education facility. The airport also held its first-ever Aviation Careers Festival – backed by the DfT and CAA - with more than 500 students attending.

As well as summarising what the airport does to encourage people into aviation jobs and training, the latest Sustainability Progress Update Report also outlines the airport’s work to engage with local communities, including providing more than £106,000 in grants to local projects; hosting a Youth Summit where young people help to shape the airport’s future; as well as strides in protecting the environment such as converting all operational vehicles to renewable fuel.

Lauren (pictured left) said: “My role as an Aviation Ambassador is to open up the possibilities that aviation presents to the next generation, so I was delighted to play a part in this great new campaign by the Jon Egging Trust.

“I hope by seeing real-life examples of people in their roles, young people can envisage a future for themselves in this brilliant and varied industry. It’s a fantastic extension of the work we already do to offer pathways to education, training and jobs that’s highlighted in our latest sustainability report.”

Director of Fundraising and Communications at Jon Egging Trust, Sian Hartstill, said: “The launch of JET Pathways marks an exciting step in helping young people explore their future options.

“Filming at East Midlands Airport brought to life the breadth of opportunities available across the aviation sector, and through featuring Lauren and other inspiring role models, we hope to encourage more young people to broaden their horizons and discover careers they may never have considered possible.”

The Jon Egging Trust was established to ensure that young people facing adversity have the opportunities, support and inspiration they need to build confidence, raise aspirations and fulfil their potential.

The year-on-year increase of nearly 8% saw an extra 35,000 people choosing the airport compared to the same month last year.

Together with the numbers using the airport since the start of the summer season in April, it means East Midlands has handled a total of 2.85m passengers so far – up by 103,000 (4%) compared to this time last year.

The increase has been driven by Ryanair filling an extra 30,000 seats, with routes to Spain, France and Italy benefiting mostly, and an extra 5,000 seats on Jet2 flights led by a resurgence on four Turkish routes, compared to last September.

The positive operational performance comes hot on the heels of the announcement at the National Transport Awards that East Midlands Airport is Airport of the Year. Its high customer satisfaction ratings, investment in customer improvements, ongoing cargo excellence and commitment to providing effortless travel to all customers, including those with mobility issues, all played a part in the prestigious win. Judges also considered its proactive approach to connecting local people to job opportunities and positive engagement with neighbouring communities. Last week East Midlands also became the first UK airport to introduce contactless e-gates to improve passengers’ arrival experience.

East Midlands Airport’s Managing Director Steve Griffiths said: “We’re pleased that we’re attracting increasing numbers of people to choose East Midlands as the best and easiest starting point for their holidays. It’s particularly encouraging to see the biggest monthly growth this year delivered after another busy period over the school summer holidays.

“It’s great to see some of our well-established routes to Spain, Italy and France continuing to perform well outside the summer peak, along with more people choosing to fly to Antalya, Dalaman, Bodrum and Izmir in Turkey.

“Our teams work hard to make sure our customers have a good experience, which reflects in the growing numbers and the high customer satisfaction scores we achieve. After another great summer, we’re focused on the quieter winter months when we still offer a wide range of destinations to choose from.”

The popular travel hub topped the charts for customer satisfaction last year in an annual survey carried out by the CAA, scoring 9.2 out of 10.

The average score was 8.3 among the eight surveyed airports, including Birmingham, Heathrow and Luton Airports.

East Midlands’ CAA score roughly matches the airport’s own survey which revealed 97% of customers rated their experience as good to excellent. High customer satisfaction was one of the measures that helped to see East Midlands crowned Airport of the Year at the National Transport Awards last week. The release of the survey results also follows East Midlands Airport becoming the first UK airport to introduce contactless e-gates this week, further improving the effortless travel experience.

The CAA’s 2025 passenger survey saw about 175,000 departing passengers interviewed at eight of England’s busiest airports, to measure the likelihood of passengers recommending the airport to a friend or colleague. It found that passenger satisfaction remains high despite passenger numbers continuing to grow.

Customer Services and Planning Director at East Midlands Airport, Mike Grimes, said: “It’s fantastic to have it officially confirmed that we are the number one airport when it comes to keeping our customers satisfied.

“Our focus is always on how we can make the customer experience as easy and enjoyable as possible, and this score tells us that we are successfully achieving that. But there’s always room for improvement and we’ll continue to strive to make things even better for people who choose East Midlands Airport as the gateway to their holidays.”

Tim Johnson, Director of Consumers, Markets and Communications at the UK Civil Aviation Authority, said: “This annual survey provides a fascinating insight into the preferences of passengers travelling from the some of the country's busiest airports.

"As the aviation industry continues to grow, it is encouraging to see that the level of passenger satisfaction with airports remains high.”

-          With more to come for East Midlands holidaymakers, 39 sun and city destinations, 115 weekly flights, and over 1.2 million seats go on sale today!

Jet2 has put its Summer 2028 programme from East Midlands Airport on sale earlier than ever in response to customer demand, with many holidaymakers already looking ahead to fun in the sun for 2028.

The airline and tour operator is the first to launch Summer 2028 getaways, giving customers and independent travel agents the chance to plan ahead and secure their preferred destinations, dates, accommodation and rooms.

From East Midlands Airport, the programme includes flights and holidays to 39 destinations, with over 1.2 million seats on sale and up to 115 departing weekly flights during peak periods.

The scale of the programme gives holidaymakers across the East Midlands plenty of choice and flexibility when planning their Summer 2028 break, with destinations across the Canary Islands, Balearic Islands, mainland Spain, Portugal, Greece, Türkiye (Turkey) and more.

Customers can also book with confidence thanks to the award-winning customer service and Jet2 is known for. Those looking to book ahead for Summer 2028 can now book with a £60 per person deposit and spread the cost through interest-free monthly payments, just as they can for other seasons on sale such as Summer 27 and Winter 27/28.

Steve Heapy, CEO of Jet2, said: “We are already hearing from customers asking when they can book for Summer 2028, so we’ve responded by putting the programme on sale nice and early. We know our East Midlands customers work hard for their well-deserved holidays, and this exciting announcement gives them something to look forward to.”

He added: “By booking early, customers have the best choice when it comes to where they want to go and when they want to travel. Early bookers also get the pick of the best hotels, which are always the first to sell out, as well as the best rooms such as family rooms, interconnecting rooms and rooms with a sea view, which fill up quickly too. With 2028 being a particularly special summer for us as we celebrate 25 years of Jet2, we look forward to showcasing our industry-leading customer service and helping our holidaymakers create unforgettable memories.”

Steve Griffiths, Managing Director of East Midlands Airport, said: “We know lots of people will pick East Midlands Airport if we fly to their chosen destination – so it’s fantastic news that Jet2 have announced their programme for summer 2028.

“Their early announcement gives customers lots of time to plan ahead and book in advance, which along with the effortless experience we provide at the airport, gives them peace of mind they can look forward to a great escape.”

Customers booking a package holiday with Jet2holidays can take advantage of ATOL protection, a selection of 2 to 5-star accommodation, transfers to and from the airport, and Free Child Place Holidays. Customers flying with Jet2 can also enjoy great flight times, 22kg baggage allowance and 10kg hand luggage.

Jet2’s Summer 2028 programme from East Midlands Airport includes:

·       39 destinations on sale

·       Alicante, Antalya, Bodrum, Bourgas, Corfu, Crete (Chania), Crete (Heraklion), Dalaman, Dubrovnik, Enfidha, Faro, Fuerteventura, Girona, Gran Canaria, Hurghada, Ibiza, Izmir, Jersey, Kefalonia, Kos, Lanzarote, Larnaca, Madeira, Málaga, Malta, Menorca, Naples, Palma de Mallorca, Paphos, Preveza, Pula, Reus, Rhodes, Sharm el Sheikh, Skiathos, Tenerife, Thessaloniki, Verona and Zante.

·       115 departing weekly flights during peak periods

Passengers arriving at East Midlands Airport can now securely pass through airport eGates without showing their passport, as it leads the way for a new contactless system to be rolled out across the UK.

From yesterday (Tuesday 6 October), East Midlands became the first UK airport to offer the new contactless technology, with every eGate at UK airports set to upgraded by early 2027. Here’s how it works:

• Passengers approach an eGate and have their photo taken
• The system checks this live image against verified immigration, travel and passport information
• Only once checks are complete, the eGate opens automatically.

The system uses state-of-the-art facial technology to verify a passenger's identity before the UK's robust border security checks are carried out in full.  Legitimate travellers can then simply walk through, without needing to place their passport on the eGate reader.

If further checks are needed, passengers will need to place their passport on the reader or may be directed to a Border Force officer, as happens today. Border Force officers will continue to monitor all eGates offering assistance, and passengers should keep their passport with them at all times.

Testing shows the new contactless system is up to 25% faster than using a passport on an eGate. The introduction at East Midlands Airport follows improvements to its immigration hall to refresh it as a more welcoming space with clearer wayfinding to help passengers navigate to the right place for passport checks.

East Midlands Airport’s Managing Director Steve Griffiths said: “We’re delighted to be the first UK airport to have contactless e-gates introduced by Border Force. As an airport committed to providing an effortless travel experience, we welcome any technological innovation that can help to safely make our customers’ journeys smoother, swifter and simpler.

“This complements changes that we carried out to our immigration hall recently to help improve the flow of arriving passengers through the area.”

Director General of Border Force, Phil Douglas said: “This is a win for travellers coming to our brilliant country. By using state-of-the-art technology, we are making journeys smoother and faster, all while fully maintaining the UK's robust border security.

“Our digital transformation also builds on our work this summer to extend eGates to children aged eight and above, making life a little easier for families."

Karen Dee, chief executive of AirportsUK, the trade body for UK airports, said: “This will be excellent news for the passenger and demonstrates how UK airports continue to be at the forefront of new technologies to keep our borders safe, while improving the travelling experience.

“It is vital that we have the fast, efficient borders that arrivals into the UK now expect, and we will work closely with our members and government officials to ensure a smooth rollout.”

Millions of people already use eGates every year, the fastest way for legitimate travellers to enter the UK. This marks the latest step in the government's efforts to modernise the UK border, which has included introducing the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) scheme allowing officials to identify potential security risks before someone travels to the UK, and lowering the age eligibility for eGate users to eight year-olds.

With frequent affordable flights offered by Ryanair and Aer Lingus, the capital of Northern Ireland boasts a packed programme of festivals, theatre, live music, film, family activities and cultural events throughout autumn, while the changing colours make it the perfect time to discover the city’s parks and outdoor spaces.

Belfast was recently named among the top ten UK city breaks by The Times, whose columnist proclaimed: “Titanic Belfast is a world-class museum, City Hall is an unmissable edifice and the Botanic Gardens are a breath of fresh air.”

A major highlight at this time of year is the Belfast International Arts Festival, returning for its 64th edition from 14 October to 8 November 2026 and bringing together artists from Northern Ireland and around the world. More than 200 events are planned across more than 30 Belfast venues, covering theatre, dance, music, literature and visual arts, alongside a new immersive arts strand.

Meanwhile, the 37th Cinemagic International Film and Television Festival runs throughout autumn 2026, with events into November — films, workshops, masterclasses and young filmmaker showcases at venues including Queen’s Film Theatre, Ulster Museum, Crescent Arts Centre and Black Box. Cinemagic also has Halloween screenings scheduled from 26–31 October 2026, while attractions and communities roll out spooky seasonal activities.

The overlapping Belfast Film Festival 2026 makes autumn a serious film season, running 29 October to 7 November, and bringing cinema and special events to venues around Belfast. Independent cinema, local filmmaking and international productions give movie lovers plenty to explore.

There are few better times to explore Belfast on foot. Cave Hill Country Park is hard to beat when you want a proper walk — providing panoramic views across Belfast, woodland, heath and moorland. For something gentler, try Botanic Gardens (home of the free Ulster Museum), the grounds around Stormont Estate, Victoria Park or Sir Thomas and Lady Dixon Park.

A visit to Belfast wouldn’t be complete without a trip to the pub, to escape the rain and enjoy a pint in front of roaring fires, along with traditional music. If live music is the priority, Kelly’s Cellars, Madden’s, The Dirty Onion, The Second Fiddle and The Points are all worth a visit.

Flights from East Midlands Airport to Belfast can be booked here: https://www.eastmidlandsairport.com/flights-and-hotels/book-flights/

The win was announced at an awards ceremony in London last night (Thursday 1 October) where Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander was the keynote speaker.

East Midlands Airport’s winning submission was based on a successful year in which:

·       Passenger numbers were held at around 4m

·       The express air cargo operation remained the busiest in the UK, with cargo growth representing a third of all air cargo growth in the UK

·       Extensive improvements were carried out throughout the terminal and on the airfield as part of an ongoing £120m investment programme to enhance the customer experience

·       Customer satisfaction increased across all metrics, with 97% of customers rating the airport good to excellent

·       East Midlands was among the least delayed airports in the UK, with 90.4% of flights departing on time during the busiest early wave

·       The CAA gave the airport the highest accessibility ranking for the sixth year running, as investment continues in Assisted Travel improvements

·       Progress was made to decarbonise ground operations, shifting the airport’s operational fleet to biodiesel, and continuing to incentivise airlines to reduce their carbon footprint

·       Ongoing training and employment activity included the first-ever Aviation Careers Festival backed by the DfT and CAA, attracting 500 students.

The National Transport Awards, supported by the Department of Transport, highlight and celebrate the unwavering commitment, expertise, and innovation of those working tirelessly to improve transport networks across the UK.

East Midlands Airport’s Managing Director Steve Griffiths said: “We’re so pleased to be recognised and rewarded in this way on a national stage.

“We have a fantastic team, who have earned us this prestigious accolade through their total dedication to providing effortless travel for our customers and delivering seamless trade for the UK.

“The award marks a period of growth for our unrivalled cargo operation and the implementation of huge improvements throughout the airport, leading to outstanding customer satisfaction scores. Being Airport of the Year strengthens our resolve to deliver the best possible service to people and businesses in our region and beyond.”

The conveniently-located airport – right next to the M1 and within an hour’s drive for eight million people – offers an effortless start to any holiday, with 98% of customers clearing security in under 15 minutes and enjoying a wide range of improved facilities in the departure lounge.

Three main airlines – Ryanair, Jet2 and TUI – offer a variety of destinations to choose from throughout the winter season, when the customer experience is even easier than ever.

For those chasing winter sun, all three carriers fly to some of the most popular destinations at this time of year – Tenerife, Alicante, Lanzarote, Gran Canaria and Faro. All offer fabulous beaches, warm to mild weather, beautiful sightseeing opportunities, along with great food and drink experiences and nightlife for those who want it.

Many more destinations are also available – such as Jet2 flying to Heraklion in Crete, Antalya in Turkey and Agadir in Morocco this winter for sun seekers. New routes with TUI this winter also include Antalya along with Egypt’s Sharm el Sheikh – both offering exceptional hospitality and warmth, with the TUI Magic Life Redsina hotel in Sharm El Sheikh bringing a new concept hotel to TUI customers for the first time.

Meanwhile for those looking for city breaks and Christmas Markets, Jet2 has added Gdansk to its list of ideal destinations for winter. Two new weekly services will operate to the Polish city from November 27 to December 21, along with Berlin, Budapest, Krakow, Prague and Vienna until January. All offer magical Christmas card scenes of cobbled streets, twinkling lights, traditional wooden stalls bursting with handmade gifts and local treats, along with festive music and events.

There is also a one-off special flight to Swedish Lapland on December 23 with Transun, offering a magical family experience for Christmas including a sleigh ride, husky sledding and of course meeting Santa.

For skiers travelling from East Midlands Airport this season, there’s plenty of choice. TUI fly to Salzburg and Chambery while Jet2 fly to Geneva – all offering gateways to some of the finest Alpine skiing available. TUI also fly to Turin which opens up the option of Italy’s Susa Valley, while Ryanair can connect you to Malaga, Krakow and Prague for access to the Sierra Nevada, low-budget Polish resorts and the Czech Republic’s Giant Mountains. 

Flight bookings can be made here: https://www.eastmidlandsairport.com/flights-and-hotels/book-flights/ or here for the Lapland flight: www.transun.co.uk/let-it-snow.

The charge has remained unchanged and among the lowest of UK airports at £5 for 15 minutes for the past five years.

It is to go up to £8 for ten minutes from 3pm on Tuesday 29 September in response to significant inflationary pressures and ongoing investment requirements. 

·       The Rapid Drop Off area offers a premium space just steps from the check-in hall for customer convenience. 

·       An alternative free arrangement is available, with free parking for up to an hour in a long-stay car park ten minutes’ walk to the terminal.

·       Last year the Rapid Drop Off area benefitted from investment in an improved layout and barrierless, cashless payment arrangements to improve traffic flow. Easy payment is available online, by phone or automatically via an AutoPay account.

·       Free drop-off remains available for blue badge holders in bays in Short Stay 1 car park close to the terminal. 

·       Airport drop-off areas help to manage on-site congestion, with charges managing what is the most polluting form of transport to the airport.

·       The new fees are proportionate in the context of inflationary increases and brings East Midlands Airport in line with other UK airports.

·       Revenue generated from parking and other fees helps support future investment, ensuring the airport can continue to grow and provide a high-quality experience and low-cost flights for customers. East Midlands Airport is currently halfway through a £120m investment programme which has seen substantial improvements including upgrades to security, terminal facilities and airfield infrastructure. 

·       The airport also maintains a sustainable transport fund, which supports local bus services that connect surrounding communities with the airport, helping improve accessibility and reduce reliance on private cars. The airport is well served by frequent 24/7 bus services from Nottingham, Derby and Leicester and surrounding communities, with stops close to the terminal.  

East Midlands Airport is the region’s easiest airport on a range of measures - with high scores for customer satisfaction, on-time departures, staff, check-in, baggage reclaim and on-time departures, alongside low levels of flight cancellations and delays.

The airport’s effortless credentials form the basis of a new advert which is running on over 130 TV channels and online through Sky Adsmart, proclaiming it the ‘Easiest Midlands Airport.’

The airport’s central location next to the M1 motorway means it’s easy to get to, and its size makes it easy to get through – helped by 99.7% of customers clearing security in under 15 minutes, a measure which consistently ranks East Midlands in the top two UK airports.

The Best Airports 2026 survey carried out by consumer champions Which? magazine revealed a 66% customer satisfaction score at East Midlands Airport – nine percentage points higher than Birmingham Airport. East Midlands customers ranked staff service, check-in queues and bag-drop queues four out of five stars, compared to Birmingham’s three, while for baggage reclaim there was an even starker difference of four compared to just one.

Meanwhile Civil Aviation Authority 2026 data shows that East Midlands recorded 74% of flights on time, compared with Birmingham’s 66%, with average delays that were four minutes shorter, at 13 minutes. CAA statistics also confirm fewer cancelled flights, with a rate of 0.3% - ten times lower than Birmingham’s 3%.

With around a quarter of the number of flights per year compared to Birmingham, East Midlands Airport offers an experience that is less crowded, with shorter walking distances, easier wayfinding and reduced queue pressure. It also excels at assisted travel, offering those who need it extra help on their journey from their car to their aircraft, a service which is highly rated by its users.

East Midlands Airport’s Commercial Director Adam Andrews said: “We pride ourselves on providing an effortless travel experience for our customers, and these figures clearly show how we stand out on that measure compared to our nearest competitor.

“We know that people can often feel that airports are something to endure, but as the data behind our TV advert shows, if people choose the right airport, it’s something they can actually enjoy as part of their holiday. We are demonstrably the easiest way to get away in the Midlands.”

Details of the data behind the TV advert are available here: Easiest Midlands Airport advert

The main summer rush has eased, making beaches, attractions and restaurants less busy and accommodation more affordable, while mild weather and warmer seas remain, meaning Jersey is still suitable for coastal walks, sightseeing and outdoor activities – albeit with the possibility of some rain.

There are flights of around one hour 20 minutes to the island from East Midlands Airport with Loganair five times a week, or twice-weekly with Jet2.

Jersey Festival of Words runs to Sunday 27 September, celebrating its landmark tenth anniversary, and featuring more than 60 events across the island. Authors, poets, and performers gather for workshops, readings, and panel talks, with over half of the sessions offering free entry.

The Jersey Marathon takes place on Sunday 4 October, offering one of the most scenic marathons in the British Isles, taking in country lanes, picturesque valleys and Jersey’s stunning coastline. A Marathon Mile open to children aged six and up helps make it a real family day out.

From October 8-10, the Black Butter Making Festival takes place at the headquarters of the National Trust for Jersey, The Elms – where a spicy apple spread that’s been part of island life since the 18^th century will be produced and enjoyed. An alternative apple product is celebrated over the weekend of October 17 and 18, when Hamptonne Country Life Museum hosts La Fais’sie Cidre. This festival celebrates the tradition of cider making, with live music, food stalls and activities as well as cider pressings and tasting.

And there are more ways to tickle your tastebuds throughout October and November, with Jersey’s Delicious Dine-Out Festival which showcases the island’s amazing produce from land and sea.

Flights to Jersey can be booked here: Flights from East Midlands Airport | Search and buy flights | East Midlands Airport

The year-long partnership was launched with a presence from the airport and airline at this year’s famous Betfred St Leger Festival, celebrating the 250^th anniversary of the world’s oldest classic horse race, the Betfred St Leger Stakes. The deal included sponsorship of the seventh race on Ladies’ Day – which appropriately was won by Fuel the Jet (pictured with his groom below).

East Midlands Airport already attracts around 440,000 customers a year from South Yorkshire with its reputation for providing an easy way to get away. Located next to the M1 with car parks close to the terminal, the airport gets 99% of its customers through security in under 15 minutes. Recent improvements include a self-serve Meet & Greet option to avoid queues, an expanded and refurbished Escape Lounge, along with new and upgraded bars and restaurants. It also excels at providing extra support for those who need it.

People could choose to spend their race winnings or save up for trips to up to 70 popular destinations in Europe and North Africa from East Midlands Airport – more than half of which are served by leading leisure airline Jet2.

This winter Jet2 has added Gdansk to its Christmas market destinations from East Midlands Airport, along with Berlin, Budapest, Krakow, Prague and Vienna, while next summer it is adding Paris, along with Tunisia, Hurghada and Sharm el Sheik, to its network.

East Midlands Airport’s Commercial Director Adam Andrews said: “We know that plenty of South Yorkshire folk already choose East Midlands Airport as their holiday gateway, and we’re really pleased to team up with our airline partner Jet2 and Doncaster Racecourse to spread the word about the great experience people can expect.”

Rachel Harwood, Executive Director at Doncaster Racecourse, said: “We’re delighted to be partnering with East Midlands Airport and Jet2 during such a significant year for Doncaster Racecourse. The Betfred St Leger Festival is a truly international event, attracting racegoers from across the UK and beyond, so it’s fantastic to work with partners who share our ambition to showcase the region and connect our racegoers with exciting opportunities both here and further afield.”

The Minister visited the airport to discuss the future of air freight with leaders from across the sector, during which he heard how East Midlands' cargo operation grew by 12.5% last year - accounting for more than a third of all air cargo growth across the UK

That is a key driver of the £6bn economic impact the centrally-located gateway delivers to the UK economy each year,

Mr Mather saw first-hand how East Midlands provides connections to hundreds of major economic powerhouses around the globe for firms in the Midlands and beyond that operate in key sectors central to the Government’s industrial strategy.

Following the visit he said: “East Midlands Airport is a true powerhouse for UK trade, connecting businesses with markets around the world through 100 freight flights a day, and supporting thousands of jobs."

East Midlands Airport is also a major hub for the logistics industry which is thriving in the Midlands and delivers goods from East Midlands Airport to 90% of the UK’s population within four hours, thanks to the airport’s strategic location at the heart of the country.

During his visit, Mr Mather led a round table discussion on the future of air freight with representatives from the aviation and logistics sectors.

The visit came after a report produced for the Department for Transport showed the importance of night flights for express freight and next-day delivery services, with up to 50% of air cargo tonnage moving overnight. East Midlands Airport is the UK’s busiest express freight hub, with major operators DHL, UPS and FedEx based on site relying on next-day delivery models for goods such as pharmaceuticals, electronics, aircraft parts and medical supplies, as well as e-commerce. Exports alone totalled £13bn last year, on average 34 times higher in value than all other UK ports.

The Minister heard how East Midlands' cargo volumes grew to top 400,000 tonnes for the first time since Covid. This was supported by several new cargo airlines choosing East Midlands Airport as their UK gateway. This in turn helped to drive an extra £2bn in the airport’s economic contribution last year.

Mr Mather was also told about the airport’s plans to build on its success, and was shown from the vantage point of the Air Traffic Control tower four plots totalling 50 hectares on the airfield earmarked for development to bring further economic growth to the region over the next 20 years. Two of these, along with a third to the south of the airport, are Freeport tax sites – with the airport acting as primary port for the East Midlands Freeport.

Mr Mather added: “It was great to hear how DHL, UPS and FedEX are modernising their operations in the region – sharing our ambition to grow, invest and innovate across UK aviation, and complementing our £43 million investment to support green aviation technology that drives down emissions and grows the economy.”

East Midlands Airport’s Managing Director Steve Griffiths said: “I was delighted to have the opportunity to welcome the Minister to the airport and outline the vital part we play in driving seamless trade for the UK.

“I was pleased to be able to show him how we are in a unique position to expand our operation without the need for a new runway and deliver significant economic growth by supporting key industries such as the advanced manufacturing, pharmaceutical, aerospace and logistics sectors.”

The 4% increase contributed to another successful summer season at the airport – with a total of 1.08m passengers across the two peak months of July and August. Altogether that’s the equivalent of around 180 more planes full of passengers compared to last year.

People are attracted to East Midlands Airport for the easy start to their holidays that it provides and its choice of 70 popular destinations, served by low-cost airlines Ryanair, Jet2 and TUI. Some new destinations this summer included Agadir, Costa de Almeria, Preveza, Thessaloniki, Chania, Pula, Split and Sharm el Sheikh. Loganair also launched a new daily service to Jersey.

This winter Jet2 has added Gdansk to its Christmas market destinations, along with Berlin, Budapest, Krakow, Prague and Vienna, while next summer it is adding Paris, along with Tunisia, Hurghada and Sharm el Sheik, to its network from East Midlands.

As well as new destinations to choose from, customers also benefit from a quick security process – under 15 minutes for 99.7% of people – and a range of new and improved facilities in the Departure Lounge. These includes new shops, restaurants and bars – including an expanded and refurbished Escape Lounge - upgraded toilets and wi-fi, extra seating and new kids play area, along with a quiet room and sensory pod as part of the airport’s award-winning assisted travel service.

The airport’s Meet & Greet parking service also now comes with a self-serve option to beat the queues by making depositing and retrieving car keys quick and simple.

East Midlands Airport’s Managing Director Steve Griffiths said: “We have enjoyed another bumper summer bigger than the last, with our teams devoted as ever to ensuring people can enjoy getting away on holiday safely and easily.

“Feedback from customers shows high levels of satisfaction, which we hope has been helped by the significant investment we’ve carried out to a wide range of facilities to improve the customer experience.

“While the winter season ahead is quieter, that makes East Midlands an even more effortless option for anyone wanting to catch some winter sun, head to the ski slopes or take a trip to the many wonderful Christmas Markets on the continent.”

The Spanish coastal town is served by all three of the main airlines that operate from East Midlands - Ryanair, TUI and Jet2 - with up to five departures a day next month.

September sees temperatures of around 28°C and the Mediterranean Sea remaining an inviting 25°C, while crowds have reduced as school terms resume across Europe and accommodation and flight rates are lower than during the peak summer period.

Alicante has more to offer than just spending time on the beach – although the city's main urban beach Playa del Postiguet, or the larger Playa de San Juan a short tram ride away, are well worth visiting. The historical old town offers winding, white-walled streets and flower-lined alleys, while a hike or lift up to the medieval fortress of Castillo de Santa Bárbara provides panoramic views of the coast.

Other pleasant pastimes include a stroll along the esplanade, a visit to the Mercado Central to sample local delicacies and a boat trip to Tabarca Island, Spain's first protected marine reserve.

September is when the historic, former fishing neighbourhood of Raval Roig celebrates its patron saint festivities, the Fiesta de la Virgen del Socorro. The streets fill with neighbours, traditional music and community parties.

Between 4 and 9 September, the town of Villena, a 45-minute trip north, hosts the Moors and Christians Festival, featuring 12,000 participants parading in jaw-dropping, elaborate medieval military costumes, complete with thundering gunpowder re-enactments and brass bands.

A similar distance east along the coast lies Benidorm, which stages its Gay Pride festival between 1-6 September, offering seven nights of incredible indoor and outdoor parties, featuring a truly international lineup of singers, dancers, drag artists, DJs and club nights from the biggest names in Spain, with a colourful parade on the Saturday.

Flights from East Midlands Airport to Alicante can be booked here: Flights from East Midlands Airport | Search and buy flights | East Midlands Airport

The equipment gives fire personnel overseeing incidents instant access to accurate information about the crew’s status, enabling them to make timely decisions about removing and deploying firefighters to the scene.

The airport moved from an old-style system using whiteboards which required firefighters to provide ongoing verbal updates about the oxygen levels in their breathing apparatus, while dealing with incidents.

The new system supplied by Dräger means the breathing apparatus is linked to a smart control board overseen by entry control operators and incident commanders. It takes into account in real-time the level of oxygen depletion as firefighters exert themselves during incidents, and sounds an alarm for the firefighter and officers in charge as levels start to get too low. It also sounds an alarm if there is no movement from the user.

East Midlands Airport Fire Station Manager Jez Paget said: “The new system has been a gamechanger for us, and has proved to be very straightforward and intuitive to use.

“It means there’s less pressure on our firefighters to monitor themselves and provide updates while they are dealing with an incident, as the system does it for them. It reduces risk, promotes safer monitoring of the breathing apparatus, and the crews have faith in the system, which is a huge thing for us.”

Elizabeth Milward, Marketing Manager Emergency and Rescue Services at Dräger Safety UK, said: “East Midlands Airport has taken an important step forward by becoming the first mainland airport in the UK to introduce telemetry into its firefighting operations.

“The unique challenges faced by airport firefighters require technology that is simple to use, supports rapid deployment and strengthens situational awareness, helping crews and commanders respond with greater confidence in time-critical environments.”

Flights to the beautiful Italian city leave on Fridays – with morning departures with TUI and evening departures with Jet2.

September is widely considered Naples’ best month, with temperatures 18–27°C, sea that’s warm enough to swim in and the city’s biggest religious event, the Festa di San Gennaro, taking place on the 19^th.

The event honours the patron saint of Naples, with processions, street celebrations and authentic Neapolitan culture taking place throughout the city. From Castel dell'Ovo, visitors witness genuine Naples spiritual life and cultural traditions.

Naples offers incredible street food, massive subterranean networks and panoramic coastal views, as well as being the gateway to Pompeii and Mount Vesuvius. The National Archaeological Museum in Naples is one of the world's best collections of Roman artefacts, including treasures from Pompeii and Herculaneum. September often includes special museum events and free-entry days.

If you can’t wait until you’re in Naples itself, you can try some authentic Italian cuisine while you’re waiting for your flight at East Midlands Airport. The airport’s newest restaurant, Terracotta, offers a range of Italian flavours in Mediterranean-style surroundings. It opened this summer as part of a drive to improve the customer experience at East Midlands, with a more welcoming and even speedier security hall, kids’ play area, quiet room and upgraded toilets among the many changes.

And to add to the effortless experience East Midlands is renowned for, there’s always the option of leaving your car in the capable hands of the Meet & Greet service which now includes self-service facilities to safely deposit and collect your keys and avoid any queues.

Check and book flight options here: Flights from East Midlands Airport | Search and buy flights | East Midlands Airport

It was an increase of almost 16,000 people, or 3.1% more than July last year.

There are plenty of reasons a growing number of people pick East Midlands, with 97% of them rating it ‘good to excellent’ and 78% recommending it to friends and family. Factors include:

·       Perfectly located close to the M1 makes it easy to get to. If arriving by car, you’re only three to 15 minutes’ walk from the terminal from most car parks – or take the free shuttle bus. If you choose the Meet & Greet service, there’s now a self-serve option to safely deposit your car keys and collect them on your return to avoid any queues. Alternatively, frequent bus services from surrounding areas drop you just steps from the terminal.

·       Security is also a breeze at East Midlands, with 99% of customers clearing it in under 15 minutes. The whole process has been speeded up with next-gen scanners, allowing you to keep liquids and electricals in your hand luggage – and the security hall has undergone a complete makeover, making it brighter and more welcoming.

·       That’s part of ongoing investments to enhance the customer experience – and you’ll enjoy more of that once you’re in the departure lounge. Here, there are new and refurbished shops, bars and restaurants, extra seating, better wi-fi, and upgraded toilet and baby changing facilities. There’s also a larger, refurbished Escape Lounge, a new play area for young fliers and a new quiet room and sensory pod for those who need them.

·       An Assisted Travel service for those who need extra support getting through the airport has recently earned top marks from the CAA for the seventh year running

·       70 popular destinations around Europe and north Africa to choose from this summer, served by low-cost airlines Ryanair, Jet2 and TUI. Some new destinations include Agadir, Costa de Almeria, Preveza, Thessaloniki, Chania, Pula, Split and Sharm el Sheikh. A new daily service to Jersey has been launched by Loganair, while another option closer to home is Belfast, with Aer Lingus operating daily flights.

Director of Customer Services and Planning at East Midlands Airport, Mike Grimes, said: “We’re delighted that even more people have chosen to fly with us for their summer holidays this year.

“Our approach is to make getting away an effortless, enjoyable experience – not something often associated with air travel. It’s why people come back to us time after time and tell their friends and family to do the same.”

As an island nation in our modern globalised world, it’s essential that we can trade effectively on the international stage. Having an airport gives us a significant competitive edge and makes the East Midlands a region that is in a strong position to support and grow existing businesses as well as attracting new ones.

East Midlands Airport is an asset not only to the region, but to the whole country. Within the UK, its cargo operation is the largest of its kind, providing trade routes to the world’s economic powerhouses. It provides the main UK base for major logistics firms trading around the globe and has recently had great success in attracting new cargo airlines as its reputation as the UK’s number one freight-only airport spreads worldwide.

This matters to our region, because many of our thriving industrial sectors rely on international trade, from the automotive and aerospace industries to advanced manufacturing, pharmaceuticals and life sciences. The firms that are importing and exporting goods in turn rely on a supply chain, and together it’s estimated the airport supported a remarkable 52,000 jobs last year.

Indeed, the airport's success is not happening in isolation. It sits at the heart of a wider opportunity in my Vision for Growth for the East Midlands – the Trent Arc. This urban regeneration corridor linking Derby and Nottingham brings together our greatest concentration of economic assets, regeneration opportunities, and investment potential.

The Trent Arc covers two city centres, three universities, three train stations, the East Midlands Freeport and Infinity Park Investment Zone site, green and blue spaces, alongside emerging proposals for a new town. Collectively, the pipeline of projects in the Arc has the potential to deliver 30,000 homes, 40,000 high-quality jobs, and £2.4 billion in GVA.

Through the Trent Arc, East Midlands Airport has a golden opportunity to help us deliver a nationally significant growth corridor that provides jobs, homes, innovation, and sustainable prosperity for generations to come.

I’m delighted to see that it is building on its success. Last year, our regional airport’s cargo growth was a third of all air cargo growth in the whole of the UK – a typically East Midlands feat of punching above our weight. And it’s not stopping there, with plans to develop sites – some of them Freeport tax sites – on and near the airfield for the extra cargo-related activity that’s anticipated in the coming years.

As Mayor of the East Midlands, I fully support the airport’s bold vision and will work closely with the airport and partners to ensure it continues to bring lasting benefits to our region. This is our moment to lead – connecting East Midlands businesses to the world, creating opportunities for local people, and building a stronger, more inclusive economy for generations to come.

The Fund was set up in 2002 to help bring lasting benefit to those areas most affected by the airport’s operations. In that time, it has handed out £2.9m to more than 2,088 community initiatives.

The airport contributed £59,000 to the fund this year, which is topped up with noisy aircraft fines. The Community Fund Committee held its latest meeting this week, awarding £36,923 to 29 local groups and charities. This included a grant of £1,624 to the Leicestershire and Rutland Ornithological Society for recording and monitoring equipment, a grant of £2,000 to East Leake Village Hall for a new oven, £1,000 to Borrowash in Bloom towards a180-litre water trolley and £1,345 to Kegworth Angling Society for lifebuoys.

Applications for the latest round of funding will be made using new online platform ActionFunder. This new method is being trialled with a view to making the process simpler and quicker, and allows organisations and the airport to share updates on applications. It also means that applicants can find other funding sources for their projects as Action Funder matches a wide range of different funders with projects.

Community Engagement Manager at East Midlands Airport, Colleen Hempson, said: “We’re proud of the difference our Community Fund has made for people living in the areas around the airport over the years, and are pleased to open another round of funding.

“The new system for applying online should make the process easier and we are looking forward to hearing feedback from applicants on their experiences of using the new platform that we are trialling for this funding round.”

Eligible charities, community groups and not-for-profit community organisations within the Area of Benefit can apply for grants up to £2,000 for tangible items of lasting benefit, such as equipment and furniture. The fund cannot pay for running costs, consumables, salaries, rent or maintenance.  Statutory organisations need to demonstrate that the items they are bidding for are outside of their statutory obligations or provide advice to local community groups and not-for-profit community organisations.

More information including how to apply is available in the EMA Community Fund Guidance Brochure and on the airport website here.

The country’s busiest pure freight operation connects the UK to more than 185 international markets, with more than 400,000 tonnes of cargo passing through the airport last year, up 12.5%.

That accounted for more than a third of all cargo growth across the UK, with the average value of items exported through East Midlands 34 times higher than at any other port in the country.

New data – from experts at York Aviation – shows the airport’s economic impact growing to £6.2bn in 2025, driven mainly by its unrivalled freight operation which supports the success of firms in high-value sectors like advanced manufacturing and life sciences. The new findings show:

·       East Midlands’ cargo operation was responsible for around half of the total economic impact, driving £3.4bn of freight-related business productivity

·       Operational activity accounted for £2.7bn

·       Passenger-related business productivity and inbound tourism made up the remaining £0.1bn

·       The airport’s operational impact is strongest in the region it serves, supporting £1.5bn in GVA and 15,430 jobs in the East Midlands

·       Neighbouring West Midlands also benefits substantially, with £569m in GVA and 6,520 jobs.

Click here to watch our video 'East Midlands Airport economic impact unpacked' 

The economic analysis measures the direct impact of East Midlands’ operations, through the 7,500 jobs it supports on site, as well as the indirect benefits it delivers by supporting more than 52,000 jobs throughout the UK economy in 2025 – 7,000 more than the previous year. The analysis also includes business productivity, which is significantly enhanced by the airport’s freight operations, along with inbound tourism.

East Midlands Airport is owned by MAG, which also runs Manchester and London Stansted. The overall group has an economic impact of £29bn. East Midlands plays a pivotal role in the region it serves due to its strategic central location placing it within four hours of 90% of the UK population and within 125 miles of 80% of all major warehousing in England and Wales.

As well as being the main UK base for global logistics giants DHL, UPS and FedEx, it has recently attracted seven new cargo operators including China’s YunExpress, which has developed a new handling facility at the airport.

Last year, goods for export worth £13bn passed through the airport, underlining its importance for high-value, time-sensitive and supply-chain-critical goods. More than half of the goods exported via East Midlands Airport are manufactured in the Midlands, whose industrial landscape is dominated by advanced manufacturing, aerospace, the automotive sector, pharmaceuticals and life sciences, including global brands such as Rolls Royce, JCB, Boots, Jaguar Landrover and Toyota.

East Midlands Airport’s Managing Director Steve Griffiths said: “I’m proud of the huge contribution the airport makes to the economy, which increased by £2bn in 2025, driven largely by the growth in our fantastic cargo operation that plays such a vital role in the UK’s international trade.

“We know how critical high-value industries like advanced manufacturing and life sciences are key to the UK’s industrial strategy and that these sectors rely more than most on access to the world. We’re proud to play that vital role to help them ship high value, time critical items to key global markets, and how this supports almost 22,000 jobs at businesses in the Midlands alone.

“Alongside our plans to grow our cargo operation to maximise its potential, we are in ongoing talks with airlines to expand our passenger network. We continue to offer an effortless experience for four million people a year, enhanced by significant investment in our facilities.”

The sort of local businesses that rely on East Midlands’ cargo operation includes Leicestershire-based Ventola Projects, which manufactures specialist lighting systems and supplies them around the globe.  The airport has played a vital part in its growth from a sole trader in 1989 to a multi-million-pound business with a significant client base in the Middle East and across the United States.

Another company reliant on the airport for its success is Attenborough Medical, producing and supplying bespoke medical implants from bases in Nottingham and Lokeren, Belgium. The reliability of the airport’s cargo services is essential for delivery of its time-critical products.

There are plans to build on the airport’s success. East Midlands Airport is the primary port of the UK’s only inland Freeport and owns Freeport tax sites on and near the airfield which it is seeking to develop to support and grow its cargo operation. Two of four sites on the airfield identified for development have Freeport status, with plans unveiled last year to meet increased demand of 54% over the next two decades, estimated by York Aviation.

Reimagining 50 hectares of airfield space for increased cargo activity could see volumes rise to more than 580,000 tonnes per year and support up to £3.9bn in further economic contributions to the regional economy – including up to 21,000 new jobs.

The airport’s highly popular Assisted Travel service is a free option for anyone who needs some support getting through the airport and onto their plane. The CAA has once again graded the service with the highest score of ‘Very Good’ for 2025/26.

Its report says that East Midlands Airport "consistently achieved very close to or 100% against waiting time standards during the reporting year. They also recorded strong survey scores above 4.5, demonstrating consistent delivery of assistance services," referring to scores out of five. The airport’s own survey shows 87% of service users rate their experience as good to excellent, recognising not just customer service, but also the quality of the physical environment, communication tools, and staff friendliness.

The Assisted Travel service can include hiring a mobility scooter or wheelchair, being provided one-to-one support from a member of the Assisted Travel team, using specially designated waiting areas, or using an ‘ambulift’ bus to take them from boarding gates straight up to the aircraft door.

There are also Quiet Rooms in the check-in area and departure lounge for those who need them, along with a sensory pod – the first of its kind at a UK airport – for customers with neurodivergent conditions.

The departure lounge Quiet Room and sensory pod were both new improvements put in place ahead of this summer, along with six new mobility scooters doubling the number available for customers. These add to other facilities that aim to make the airport experience effortless for all customers – including accessible and stoma friendly toilets and Changing Place facilities. The airport also recognises green lanyards and sunflower lanyards worn by people with non-visible disabilities so staff can take their needs into account.

An Accessibility Advisory Group made up entirely of disabled airport users helps to shape the Assisted Travel service – one of the few at a UK airport that is operated in-house.

East Midlands Airport’s Head of Customer Operations and Business Change, Jessica Ward, said: “We’re really thrilled to have our Assisted Travel service recognised by the CAA as top rate for the seventh year running.

“We see it as an essential offer for people who choose to fly from East Midlands Airport – we want to make sure everyone has an effortless experience, whatever their needs. We’re proud that people who use the service rate it highly, but as can be seen with the improvements carried out ahead of this summer, we’re always looking at ways to make it even better.”

More information about the Assisted Travel service is available here: Assistance at the Airport | East Midlands Airport

The leading leisure airline will operate a ski programme to Geneva from East Midlands Airport next winter. With weekly Saturday services, customers can access the popular ski destination from mid December 2027 and throughout the winter season.

With flights perfectly timed over a weekend, skiers and snow sports enthusiasts can enjoy fantastic flexibility when it comes to sloping off to the snow and accessing the most popular French and Swiss ski resorts, including Tignes, Flaine, Verbier, Zermatt and the Three Valleys.

The launch of the programme today means skiers and snowboarders in the East Midlands can book great-price ski flights early and plan their alpine escapes in advance.

When travelling to the best ski destinations in Europe with Jet2.com, customers can look forward to friendly flight times, 10kg hand baggage allowance and great value hold luggage* and ski carriage* each weighing up to 22kg each.

Steve Griffiths, East Midlands Airport’s Managing Director, said: “It’s great to already have Jet2’s ski programme for next year, and we hope that more and more skiers and snowboarders choose East Midlands Airport as the jumping off point for their trip the mountains. We make getting away easier than other airports, making us a great choice for people heading to the slopes.”

Steve Heapy, CEO of Jet2.com and Jet2holidays, said: “We enjoyed another successful ski season last winter, and with skiers and snowboarders already looking ahead to Winter 27/28, we have responded by launching our ski programme for next winter from East Midlands Airport. With perfectly timed flights at the most popular times, we are certain next year’s ski programme, will be our best yet.”

The popular attraction is located on the northern edge of East Midlands Airport’s airfield, and provides raised viewing areas overlooking the runway for aviation enthusiasts.

The museum houses a substantial collection of heritage aircraft, some of which flew from the airport in the past. It is run by volunteers and has recently opened a new shop and café offering souvenirs and snacks.

Its celebration event will run from11am-5pm, with standard entrance fees applied - under fives free / children (5-16) £3 / adults £5 - parking included. As well as the usual attractions, there will be bouncy castles, face painting and community stalls, including the airport’s community engagement team.

East Midlands Airport’s Community Engagement Manager Colleen Hempson said: “We have had a strong partnership with the Aeropark ever since it opened 40 years ago on the other side of the airport – moving to its current location 25 years ago.

“It has been offering a great, affordable day out for families and aviation enthusiasts for four decades, and we’re looking forward to taking part in the celebrations on Sunday.”

More information about the Aeropark is available here East Midlands Aeropark

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.”

The awards, supported by the Department of Transport, highlight and celebrate the unwavering commitment, expertise, and innovation of those working tirelessly to improve our transport networks across the UK. Winners will be announced in October at a ceremony where Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander will be the keynote speaker.

East Midlands Airport’s shortlisting is based on a successful year – marking the airport’s 60^th anniversary - in which:

·       Passenger numbers were held at around 4m, with encouraging year-on-year increases heading into summer 2026

·       The express air cargo operation remained the busiest in the UK, with cargo growth representing a third of all air cargo growth in the UK

·       Extensive improvements were carried out throughout the terminal and on the airfield as part of an ongoing £120m investment programme to enhance the customer experience

·       Customer satisfaction increased across all metrics, with 97% of customers rating the airport good to excellent

·       East Midlands was among the least delayed airports in the UK, with 90.4% of flights departing on time during the busiest early wave

·       The CAA gave the airport the highest accessibility ranking for the sixth year running, as investment continues in Assisted Travel improvements

·       Progress was made to decarbonise ground operations, shifting the airport’s operational fleet to biodiesel, and continuing to incentivise airlines to reduce their carbon footprint

·       Ongoing training and employment activity included the first-ever Aviation Careers Festival backed by the DfT and CAA, attracting 500 students.

East Midlands Airport’s Managing Director Steve Griffiths said: “I’m delighted we’re finalists in the National Transport Awards Airport of the Year category – it’s a great way to celebrate all that we achieved in our 60^th anniversary year.

“We hit the halfway mark of our investment programme which has seen huge improvements for our customers throughout the terminal – and on all measures we have increased customer satisfaction. Meanwhile our cargo operation went from strength to strength, attracting new airlines and topping 400,000 tonnes for the first time since the pandemic.

“It’s all been achieved by our fantastic team who are dedicated to providing effortless travel for our customers and driving seamless trade for the UK.”

Marking World Youth Skills Day on 15 July which this year focused on AI and digital skills, the airport is highlighting the work taking place across its education and skills programmes, including its education centre Aerozone and the East Midlands Airport Academy, which help thousands of young people and adults each year build skills, gain experience and explore future career opportunities.

The Aerozone welcomed a group of students from East Leake Academy who heard about the next generation scanning equipment that’s now in use in airport security, as well as how other new technologies are changing how the airport operates. [M(1] In addition, the students had the opportunity to experience what it is like to work in a variety of roles at East Midlands Airport through the Aerozone’s interactive role-play zones. They ended the day with a terminal trail, where they were able to see these roles in action.

These programmes support the Government's ambition to reduce the number of young people who are not in education, employment or training (NEET) by creating pathways into learning and work. The Aerozone hosts visits from around 80 local schools each year, with almost 35,000 young people having attended since it opened in 2010. Meanwhile the Academy offers two-week ‘introduction to aviation’ courses every year run by Nottingham College, training over 207 people last year, with 49% going on to find employment.

Just under 8,000 people work across the East Midlands Airport campus, which is home to 145 companies. As the airport continues to grow, developing a strong pipeline of future talent remains a key priority.

Marcella M'Rabety, Head of Social Sustainability at MAG, said: "For many young people, a visit to Aerozone is the moment aviation becomes real. By giving young people access to experiences, opportunities and role models, we're helping them build confidence, develop skills and understand the exciting careers available at the airport.

“Supporting young people is important because it helps us build the future workforce the airport needs while creating opportunities for local communities and helping reduce the number of young people not in education, employment or training (NEET)."

More information about Aerozone, the airport Academy and careers at the airport is available here: Employment, Skills and Education | East Midlands Airport

Around 6,000 more passengers flew through the airport last month compared to last June – a total of 498,365. It bodes well for the peak summer season, with school holidays underway in Leicestershire from this week already seeing an increase in numbers of people seeking the 70 destinations available in Europe and north Africa through low-cost airlines based at East Midlands.

Jet2 is serving seven new destinations this summer - Agadir (Morocco), Costa de Almeria (Spain), Preveza, Thessaloniki and Chania (Greece), and Pula and Split (Croatia). Meanwhile TUI reintroduced Sharm el Sheikh to their schedules following strong customer demand.

And a new daily service to Jersey is available for the first time this summer with freshly arrived airline Loganair.

Meanwhile as the UK’s largest express air freight hub, East Midlands Airport handled 37,458 tonnes of goods last month – around 4,500 tonnes more than last June, a 14% increase. Further announcements about more cargo aircraft flying into East Midlands are expected later this month, as the operation continues to grow.

East Midlands Airport Managing Director Steve Griffiths said: “I’m delighted to see both sides of our business booming as we enter the peak summer season.

“While passenger numbers are climbing, we’re still giving them a relaxed and enjoyable experience, with swift clearance through security and an array of new and improved facilities in the terminal to enjoy ahead of their flights.

“Our cargo operation is doing brilliantly, with increasing numbers of carriers choosing East Midlands as their entry point to the UK as our reputation spreads as the country’s number one airport for freight.”

It is a popular six-mile circular walking route that follows the outer boundary of the airport, with fantastic viewpoints for watching plane take-offs and landings.

The route mixes aviation views with quiet countryside, looping through local woodlands, open meadows and historic country lanes. In late 2025, the trail received a £60,000 upgrade to mark the airport's 60th anniversary, bringing improved paths, brand-new directional fingerposts and nine highly detailed educational information boards highlighting local wildlife and history.

A mix of grass, paved tracks, packed dirt and gravel, the trail takes roughly 2.5 to 3 hours to complete at a leisurely pace. Among the points of interest along the route are:

• "Art on the Trail": The path features five unique, locally designed sculptures scattered around the perimeter, including the Dog Tooth Violet Seed, Valentines Tree and Sky Ladder
• Plane spotting viewpoints: Multiple designated clearings sit directly alongside the airport fence. You can stand almost directly beneath the flight path on short final approaches, with Hemington Crest offering clear lines of sight to the 51-metre-high Air Traffic Control tower, airport wind turbines and active aprons
• The East Midlands Aeropark: Located right next to the trail, this aviation museum houses historic aircraft like the Vulcan and Nimrod. It serves as a great start or end point for walks, with raised airport viewing areas providing some of the best plane spotting spots
• Wildlife and Nature: The airport has planted thousands of native trees including oak and dogwood to create rich habitats for local kestrels, skylarks, and bats, along with a new hedgerow as part of last year’s upgrades.
• Parking: A small amount of free public parking can be found at the East Midlands Airport Picnic and Viewpoint Area close to the East Midlands Gateway entrance off the A453. Alternatively, you can park for a small fee at the East Midlands Aeropark
• Public Transport: The local Skylink bus services run frequently and drop off passengers directly at several joining points along the perimeter trail, including near the picnic area and the Aeropark.
• Food and drink: There are various options for a refreshment break. Take your own food and drink to the picnic site at the eastern end of the runway, or a newly-opened café at the Aeropark offers snacks and drinks. Alternatively, the Nag’s Head in Castle Donington is close to the trail, as is The Plough Inn in Diseworth on the other side of the airport.

The newly released Annual Report of MAG (Manchester Airports Group), East Midlands Airport’s parent company, shows that across all three of its airports, including Manchester and Stansted, it handled record numbers of passengers at 66m in 2025, up 1.9% year-on-year.

East Midlands’ passenger operation was in line with the previous year, serving 4m passengers, with based airlines Jet2 and TUI both adding new routes to their network of popular European destinations. The airport continued to carry out significant improvements to passenger and airfield facilities as part of an ongoing £120m investment programme.

Strong operational performance saw 99% of passengers passing though security in 15 minutes or less, while it achieved the highest ‘Very Good’ CAA rating for accessibility for the sixth year running, thanks to its award-winning assisted travel service.

MAG also increased the amount of cargo it handled by 12.5%, driven primarily by strong growth at East Midlands. With cargo volumes topping 400,000 tonnes for the first time since the pandemic, it accounted for a third of all air cargo growth in the UK. 

2025 saw seven new cargo airlines start operations at the airport, including Chinese logistics firm YunExpress which launched its first UK route with a twice weekly service to China, alongside Etihad Cargo, Atlas Air, Saudi Cargo, SF Express, Hong Kong Air Cargo and Ethiopian Cargo running services to the United Arab Emirates and Asia. 

Last year the airport also announced its plans to meet the future demand for freight – set to increase by 54% over the next two decades. This investment would add 50 hectares of cargo capacity – increasing volumes to more than 580,000 tonnes per year and supporting up to £3.4bn in further economic contributions to the regional economy.

The report also points to progress on protecting the environment and supporting local communities – with 100% of the airport’s operational vehicles starting to run on biodiesel and a broad programme of engagement with local communities. This involved education and training opportunities including its first-ever Aviation Careers Festival, as well as staff volunteering, funding community projects and staging a series of events to celebrate its 60^th anniversary with communities, staff and stakeholders.

East Midlands Airport’s Managing Director Steve Griffiths said: “The investment in our growing cargo operations across the financial year bolsters East Midlands Airport’s position as a central driver of UK international trade, while our passenger operation provides travellers from across our region with a range of popular European destinations all year round.

“It was a pleasure to mark our 60th anniversary year celebrating the impact we have had on our communities, colleagues and wider region.”

Airlines Jet2 and TUI both offer the service for customers who are flying before midday, opening their check-in desks between 4-9pm the evening before - useful for those living close to the airport and anyone using a hotel nearby. East Midlands Airport offers customers taking up this option up to 90 minutes of free parking in Short Stay 1 car park.

It’s one of a number of measures that are designed to make flying from East Midlands Airport as effortless as possible. The airport was recently rated the least stressful airport in the UK based on CAA data. Options alongside the evening before check-in option include:

·       Customers using the Meet & Greet service can now drop off and pick up their keys automatically to avoid potential queues

·       Barrierless, cashless payment systems for rapid drop-off have been introduced to make it quicker and easier for customers and reduce congestion in the area

·       Assisted Travel is available for anyone requiring extra help getting through the airport - with new mobility scooters, a new Quiet Room and the first-of-its-kind sensory pod introduced recently

·       Fast track tickets can be bought to avoid queues through security, which has seen next-generation scanners installed to further simplify and speed up the process – with 99% of customers already completing it in under 15 minutes.

Customer Services and Planning Director at East Midlands Airport, Mike Grimes, said: “We are constantly looking for ways to make our customers’ experience as effortless as possible, and these services are just some of the options available that help us do that.

“The opportunity to check in baggage the evening before travel is appealing for Jet2 and TUI customers living or staying nearby so they can fully relax on the day they fly. This, together with other services and a range of improvements we’ve undertaken in our terminal, help to give people a great hassle-free start to their holidays.”

The Ministry of Defence is carrying out essential resurfacing and improvement works on the airfield operating surface at RAF Brize Norton.

The airfield needs to be temporarily closed, and all airfield operations and flights are being relocated to a number of alternative locations around the UK. The A330 Voyager fleet will operate out of East Midlands as well as Prestwick and Stansted airports.

Once the resurfacing work has been completed at Brize Norton, the aircraft are expected to return in late November.

RAF Brize Norton is the UK's primary military air mobility hub, supporting the movement of personnel, equipment and humanitarian supplies across the globe. The RAF has stated that missions, including global logistics, humanitarian operations and support to allies, will continue without interruption. Locations like East Midlands Airport are being secured and protected in readiness for the dispersed operation.

The short-term RAF presence at East Midlands Airport is expected to result in only a minimal increase in road or air traffic, with a small number of flights carrying defence passengers and freight between the Falkland Islands, Cyprus and East Midlands each week.

East Midlands Airport’s Operations Director Lauren Turner said: “We’re honoured to act as the temporary base for some of the RAF’s A330 Voyagers that usually operate out of Brize Norton.

“We have developed strong working relationships with the RAF over the years and are pleased to be able to help with the dispersal of their fleets while upgrades take place at their base. We look forward to supporting them and no doubt the presence of their aircraft in the skies around us will excite some interest locally.”

The Ryanair flights include popular destinations like Girona and Reus to the east and west of Barcelona, at £36 each – or for just £1 more there are flights to Palma on the Spanish island of Mallorca.

Girona is a Catalan gem with a charming medieval old town, stunning architecture and is only half an hour from the beaches of the Costa Brava. As the birthplace of Gaudi, Reus boasts exceptional Catalan architecture and is also a gateway to the Costa Brava. Meanwhile Mallorca is one of the most popular Balearic Islands for beach holidays, while also boasting a rich history with Roman and Moorish remains, art galleries and music festivals.

The stylish Italian city of Milan will cost you a mere £31 for return tickets, leaving you more to spend on great food and drink or high fashion buys. Famed as the fashion capital of northern Italy, there’s plenty to do besides shopping, with the impressive Gothic Duomo di Milano and Sforza Castle among the highlights.

Or closer to home there are there three Irish destinations served by Ryanair that won’t put a hole in your pocket – with Knock and Dublin just £31 each and Belfast £36. Knock offers the ideal gateway to the rugged countryside of rural southern Ireland, while Dublin is famed for its lively pub culture and coastal charm. Belfast also offers authentic pub culture, along with maritime history and a great starting point to explore Northern Ireland’s iconic natural landscapes.

All flights can be found and booked here Flights from East Midlands Airport | Search and buy flights | East Midlands Airport

·       All figures from Kiwi.com, based on one person travelling with cabin luggage, correct at time of publishing.

Spain’s third-largest city sits directly in the path of totality for a rare solar eclipse. On August 12 August, the sky will plunge into darkness for about a minute at sunset, with city rooftops, the Hemisfèric planetarium, or catamaran boats out on the open sea being recommended vantage points.

It’s actually a rare and brief break for a city that is famed for having around 300 days of sunshine every year and is emerging from the shadows cast by its larger and louder neighbours, Barcelona and Madrid.

With miles of palm tree-lined beaches, fragrant orange groves, rich artistic heritage and a thriving food scene as the birthplace of paella, Valencia has all the elements for an unforgettable holiday. It blends futuristic architecture, historic charm and Mediterranean lifestyle.

There are countless galleries for art lovers to explore including the ultra-modern City of Arts and Sciences which includes Europe’s largest aquarium, as well as regular street art tours around El Carmen - the cobbled Old Town with its medieval structures and Valencia Cathedral - or take a trip to UNESCO World Heritage Site La Lonja de la Seda (the Silk Exchange), a lavish gothic-style building, and one of the city’s top tourist attractions. Also, don’t miss the Mercado Central, one of Europe's largest fresh produce markets, housed in a breathtaking Art Nouveau building.

Valencia is incredibly flat and features over 200 kilometres of dedicated cycle lanes, making it an ideal city to explore by bike. Meanwhile Turia Garden offers a lush five-mile green ribbon of parkland running through the city, featuring walking tracks, sports facilities and playgrounds.

If all that wasn’t enough, there’s a packed programme of events this summer besides the solar eclipse. Among the highlights, the waterfront FAR festival from July 8-31 will be kicked off by Jean-Michel Jarre, the Valencia International Jazz Festivals runs from July 15-25 in historic venues around the Old Town, and the Medusa Sunbeach Festival from August 13-16 brings top global DJs to the area with mind-blowing electronic music shows.

Valencia is reached from East Midlands Airport through twice-weekly flights with Ryanair – flights can be booked here: Flights from East Midlands Airport | Search and buy flights | East Midlands Airport

Photo credit: Visit Valencia

The ‘insider trick’, revealed by TUI UK’s Commercial Director Chris Logan, reveals how savvy travellers can snap up last-minute flights just weeks before departure which include bargain breaks for a fraction of the usual price. 

On TUI’s dedicated ‘Cheap Flights’ page Brits can find empty seats on return routes which are regularly released at heavily reduced prices in the weeks and months leading up to departure. 

"If you’ve got a bit of flexibility, this is one of the easiest ways to find a great-value getaway. It’s not something everyone knows about, but checking our flights page regularly can uncover some genuinely low fares, especially closer to departure as we look to fill remaining seats," said Chris Logan. 

"We’re talking everything from the Canaries to the Balearic Islands, as well as firm favourites like Greece, Turkey and Cyprus. Because TUI Airways flies from 22 regional airports like EMA across the UK, it makes it easy to pick a date, pack a bag and fly from your closest airport." 

The best deals tend to be snapped up by those who can be flexible on dates. But it’s not just quick getaways either, the deals can stretch from short breaks to two-week holidays or even longer.  

Chris added: "For customers who don’t mind when or where they go, it can be a really simple way to save money on flights and land some of the best-value fares”. 

Right now, Brits can find deals from East Midlands Airport such as: 

• Seven nights in Menorca with return flights East Midlands Airport from £72 person (8 July to 15 July)
• Seven nights in Ibiza with return flights from East Midlands Airport from £72 (17 July to 24 July)
• Seven nights in Palma de Mallorca (pictured above) with return flights from East Midlands Airport from £81 (23 July to 30 July)
• Seven nights in Lanzarote with return flights from East Midlands Airport from £82 (8 July to 15 July).

East Midlands Airport’s Managing Director Steve Griffiths added: “There are lots of great reasons to choose East Midlands Airport as the gateway to your holidays – our central location puts us in easy reach of millions of people and our focus on providing effortless travel will have you through security and enjoying new and improved terminal facilities in no time.

“Bagging a bargain on your flights means you really don’t have to look any further - so we’re delighted that TUI are giving East Midlands Airport customers the inside track on lots of great low-cost options for their next break.”

Holidaymakers can browse the latest deals at: Flights with TUI | Thomson now TUI Airways 

Note: All prices quoted are correct to the particular product package at the time of issuing the price package/packages to the publication. Price was quoted on 26.06.2026 Prices provided are subject to change and have limited availability. Terms and conditions apply.

Two village hall committees have also completed improvements thanks to the funding that aims to give something back to the communities surrounding the airport.

Established in 2002, the Community Fund has since helped more than 2,000 initiatives benefit from £2.8m, which has gone towards a diverse range of projects, from equipment for village halls to the development of wildlife areas.

Last year it handed out more than £106,000 to 81 local projects, while this financial year from April, it has already awarded just over £39,000 to 33 local charities and community not-for-profit groups.

Among the recent recipients are the 15th Long Eaton Sea Scouts who have been refurbishing their Blue Hut, which was originally famously donated to them from the set of Auf Wiedersehen Pet by Central Studios in Nottingham. The EMA Community Fund grant of £1,000 went towards a new kitchen. Members of the East Midlands Airport Community Fund committee attended a special celebration event to mark the 60th anniversary of the main hall and the 40th anniversary and completion of the refurbishment of the blue hut.

Meanwhile Ashby Croquet Club (pictured above) received a grant of £1,811 towards croquet playing equipment, Staunton Harold Sailability Trust received a grant of £2,000 towards a new hoist (pictured below right), and Long Eaton Town Bowls Club received a grant of £1,570 towards materials for the restoration of their bowling green edges. 

This year Newton Solney Village Hall (pictured below left) finally completed the installation of solar panels which were made possible by an East Midlands Airport Community Fund ‘Low Carbon Energy’ Grant of £10,000, made in 2024. And Weston-on-Trent Village Hall Committee recently completed the upgrade of their village hall car park to improve accessibility thanks to a grant of £2,000 from the EMA Community Fund towards materials. 

East Midlands Airport’s Community Engagement Manager Colleen Hempson said: “It’s great to see the difference our Community Fund can make in the towns and villages surrounding the airport.

“We’re pleased to be able to offer ongoing support through this funding, as well as our staff volunteering and wider programme of community engagement, to really play a positive part in the lives of local people.”

More information about the fund and how to apply for it is available here: https://www.eastmidlandsairport.com/community/supporting-the-local-community/

The impressive achievement among participating airports in a worldwide survey is thought to be down to a combination of a new and welcoming security area fitted with next-generation scanning equipment and a cohort of experienced security staff instilling a customer-focused approach in new recruits.

East Midlands Airport has achieved the UK number one spot among airports taking part in the globally recognised Airport Service Quality (ASQ) survey that measures and benchmarks passenger satisfaction at airports worldwide. ASQ collects feedback while passengers are at the airport, both at departure and arrival gates, ensuring that impressions are captured in real time.

In the survey for January to March this year, the airport achieved a Security Screening score of 4.44 out of a possible five - up 5.2% on the previous year. This grades airports on security waiting times, ease of security and the courtesy and helpfulness of staff.

The airport has overseen a complete transformation of its security area as part of an ongoing investment programme. The new look starts at the entrance to security, with new automatic boarding card reader gates and a bright, fresh environment which carries though to the main security hall. Better lighting, wooden panelling and media walls improve the feel of the areas, while state-of-the-art scanners speed up the process by allowing customers to leave items like liquids and electricals in their baggage. This has helped 99.7% of customers complete pre-flight checks in under 15 minutes.

East Midlands Head of Security Tony Jackson also points to lowered ceilings improving acoustics and providing a calmer, quieter environment that enables easier conversation between staff and passengers.

He added: “We have a core set of experienced colleagues who are passionate about security, aviation and customer service and pass those values on to new members of staff. This goes hand in hand with the changes in the security area to help us achieve these great results and make things hassle-free for our customers.

“Our staff also now have new uniforms which are smart but less formal which adds to their pride in the airport and helps to make them more approachable. We are also focusing more on learning from complaints where we get them and implementing improvements from those experiences.”

Customer Services and Planning Director at the airport Mike Grimes said: “I’m so proud that we can say we are the best performing airport in the UK and placed in the top 20 of all participating European airports for the ease of our security experience.

“We are constantly striving to make things as effortless as possible for our customers and to achieve this in security, which people often see as one of the most stressful parts of air travel, is really impressive. These scores contributed to our best overall customer satisfaction results ever, with 97% of customers rating us good, very good or excellent.”

The UK’s largest tour operator and third largest airline will operate weekly Saturday services to the North African hotspot from 1^st May to 30^th October 2027.

Today’s announcement comes in response to demand from customers and independent travel agents across the region and means they have plenty of choice when it comes to taking off to a sun-soaked destination that offers culture, cuisine, history, beaches and fantastic value for money.

The exciting new addition means that customers travelling to Tunisia with Jet2holidays can now choose from a range of 3 to 5-star hotels situated in the resorts of Port el Kantaoui, Skanes, Mahdia, Sousse, Yasmine Hammamet and Hammamet.

From Hammamet’s magical medina to Sousse’s palm‑lined ramparts, the country brims with colour and character. Holidaymakers can wander Roman amphitheatres, sip mint tea beside blue‑and‑white cliffside houses or watch fishermen haul in the day’s catch along Mahdia’s quiet coast. Out in the south, salt flats shimmer like glass and desert villages appear out of nowhere. As well as offering golden beaches, Tunisia offers more than just a beach break as it is a place where every corner has a story.  

As well as experiencing the delights of Tunisia, customers can also choose award-winning holidays and flights, whether that is a package holiday with Jet2holidays, or a leisure flight with Jet2.com. Each of the brands have been recognised as a Which? Recommended Provider for providing industry-leading levels of customer service and customer experience.

Today’s announcement means that Jet2 will operate to 44 destinations in Summer 27 from East Midlands Airport, with four new destinations including Tunisia, Hurghada, Paris and Sharm el Sheikh.

Steve Heapy, CEO of Jet2, said: “We are thrilled to be giving customers and independent travel agents even more choice from East Midlands Airport thanks to the launch of Tunisia as our latest new addition. With year-round sunshine, rich culture and fantastic sunshine, Tunisia has something for everyone and we know how immensely popular it will be.”

He added: “This latest expansion demonstrates the strength of our growing business, and it comes on the back of customers and independent travel agents choosing to travel with us time and time again. Our award-winning proposition clearly continues to delight holidaymakers, and we look forward to welcoming even more customers onboard thanks to the launch of this new destination, taking the number of destinations we have on sale from East Midlands Airport in Summer 27 to 44.”

Steve Griffiths, Managing Director of East Midlands Airport, said: “We’re always keen to expand our network of destinations to meet customers’ expectations, so it’s great to be able to offer this new route to Tunisia with Jet2, which shows the airline’s confidence in East Midlands and adds to the broad range of options they offer from here.

“North Africa is growing in popularity as a holiday option, with fantastic weather, culture, food and experiences for enjoyable and memorable trips. We will make sure everyone is chilled out and in the holiday mood while they’re with us at East Midlands Airport.”

Last month alone, almost 32,000 people flew to the Spanish coastal town – 7% of all flights from the airport throughout May. All three of the airport’s main airline partners – Ryanair, Jet2 and TUI – offer frequent flights of around three hours ten minutes throughout the summer period, with Malaga’s southern location resulting in temperatures of up to 28.8C in August.

As one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in Europe, it effortlessly blends millennia of history with a thriving modern cultural scene, golden beaches and exceptional Mediterranean gastronomy.

Cultural highlights include The Alcazaba, a stunningly preserved 11th-century Moorish fortress that sits on a hillside overlooking the city and the sea, and Gibralfaro Castle located just above the Alcazaba, which offers magnificent panoramic views of the coastline and mountains.

As birthplace of Pablo Picasso, the town celebrates its legendary artist with more than 200 of his works at the Picasso Museum Málaga, housed in the beautiful Palacio de los Condes de Buenavista.

Visitors can also wander through the historic cobbled streets and enjoy a refreshing drink in one of the Old Town’s many sunny plazas. Mercado de Atarazanas, Málaga’s oldest central market, is perfect for sampling fresh seafood, local cured meats, and traditional Andalusian tapas. Meanwhile Calle Larios, the city's main pedestrianised shopping street, buzzes with stylish boutiques, local eateries and dynamically changing seasonal decorations. If you're visiting in August, don't miss the spectacular Málaga Fair, where flamenco, food, music and celebrations fill the streets day and night.

And a trip to the Costa del Sol wouldn’t be complete without a beach day, with La Malagueta Beach located within easy walking distance from the historic centre, lined with vibrant seaside cafes and restaurants.

Book your flights to Malaga >

Jet2 has today announced the launch of its Winter Sun programme from East Midlands Airport for Winter 2027/28, with more seats and choice on offer. The programme includes two exclusive routes from the airport to Madeira and Agadir.

As demand from holidaymakers looking to escape the long British winter continues, the leading leisure airline and tour operator is once again giving customers what they want by putting over 340,000 seats on sale from East Midlands Airport.

A choice of 15 winter sun destinations have gone on sale from East Midlands Airport: The Canary Islands (Tenerife, Lanzarote, Gran Canaria, Fuerteventura), Spain (Alicante, Malaga), Balearics (Majorca), Portugal (Faro, Madeira), Morocco (Agadir), Egypt (Hurghada, Sharm el-Sheikh), Cyprus (Paphos), Turkey (Antalya), and Malta. During peak periods, the airline and tour operator will operate 49 weekly outbound flights.

The release of the programme comes in response to demand from holidaymakers looking to book ahead and enjoy some winter sunshine. It also makes Jet2 the first airline and tour operator to go on sale for Winter 27/28, giving customers and independent travel agents the opportunity to book their place in the sun for next winter early.

 The full Winter 27/28 Winter Sun programme from East Midlands Airport is as follows:

• Tenerife (up to 10 weekly services)
• Lanzarote (up to 7 weekly services)
• Gran Canaria (up to 4 weekly services)
• Fuerteventura (up to 4 weekly services)
• Malaga (up to 3 weekly services)
• Alicante (up to 7 weekly services)
• Antalya (weekly services)
• Faro (up to 3 weekly services)
• Agadir (weekly services) – exclusive route to Jet2
• Madeira (weekly services) – exclusive route to Jet2
• Hurghada (weekly services)
• Malta (up to 2 weekly services)
• Paphos (up to 2 weekly services)
• Majorca (up to 2 weekly services)
• Sharm el-Sheikh (weekly services)

Over the coming weeks, the airline and tour operator will also reveal further programme details for Winter 27/28.

Steve Heapy, CEO of Jet2, said: “Our winter sun programme for 2027/28 is on sale nice and early from East Midlands Airport, and we are very pleased to be giving customers and independent travel agents such fantastic choice and flexibility. This exciting new programme opens up the best winter sun hotspots to local holidaymakers and, as always, we have designed it in direct response to the demand for our award-winning flights and holidays so we know how popular it will be. We are not done yet, with even more exciting announcements about our Winter 27/28 programme coming soon!”

Steve Griffiths, East Midlands Airport’s Managing Director, said: “We know many of our customers like to plan well in advance and benefit from low prices by booking early, so they will be delighted with this announcement from Jet2. With 49 outbound flights every week offering 340,000 seats to some of our most popular destinations across the winter period, we’ll be ready to give them all our usual warm East Midlands welcome and a relaxing start to their trip.”

For further information and to book visit www.jet2.com or www.jet2holidays.com

The airport remains buoyant as it welcomed 465,300 passengers in May – that’s 9,300 or 2.1% more than in 2025. Just over a third of those travelled over the May bank holiday and half term, a period which also saw a stronger performance than the previous year.

Palma De Mallorca was the most popular destination during May, with 43,447 people travelling there, followed by Alicante (41,662), Malaga (31,887) and Faro (24,684). Barcelona made it into the top ten with 10,576 people choosing the Spanish city, while Rhodes attracted almost 17,500 showing ongoing certainty around the Eastern Mediterranean.

The airport continues to go from strength to strength, with passengers enjoying a wide range of improvements to the airport experience as part of an ongoing investment programme. Recent survey results also revealed 97% of customers ranked East Midlands Airport good to excellent, while 71% would recommend it to friends and family.

It also achieved great reliability results, with 90.4% of flights in the busy early morning wave leaving on time – helping to rank it the fourth least disrupted UK airport according to CAA data.

At the end of May, a new daily route to Jersey was launched from East Midlands Airport by Loganair, offering great connections to the popular Channel Island.

The airport’s cargo operation also continues to thrive – with an 11% (7,000 tonne) increase in freight volumes handled last month compared to last May, totalling 36,750 tonnes. The airport has been successfully attracting new cargo business and investing in facilities to prepare for further growth in this area.

East Midlands Airport Managing Director Steve Griffiths said: “We have high hopes for a busy summer ahead, with these latest figures showing year-on-year increases in both our passenger and cargo operations.

“With a new airline launching services and the summer schedules for existing airlines already underway, customers can look forward to getting away to their favourite holiday spots without the hassle that’s sometimes associated with airport travel. We work hard to make it effortless, and have invested in a whole range of new and improved facilities to make it even more enjoyable.”

Even before their recent Europa League victory, Aston Villa were riding high in the shirt sales league table at East Midlands Airport.

The Birmingham-based team which ended its 30-year trophy drought with an emphatic win against Freiburg came second behind Liverpool, with Manchester United in third, according to data released by the UK's largest airports group, MAG.

MAG ‘s league table was created by analysing shirt sales at JD Sports outlets at its three airports, Manchester, Stansted and East Midlands. 70% of the UK population lives within two hours of a MAG airport and together they handle more than 66m passengers a year.

Liverpool took top spot at all three of MAG's airports despite a trophy-less season that frustrated Kop fans. The Reds condemned Manchester United to second spot at the Red Devils' home airport, while Premier League champions Arsenal were second at Stansted, relegating their closest top-flight club Tottenham Hotspur to fourth place.

Across MAG, Wrexham AFC finished third after Liverpool and Manchester United following the Hollywood hype linked to Ryan Reynolds and Rob Mac’s involvement in the club.

At East Midlands, as well as showing support for a team from the Midlands, passengers revealed themselves to be the most cosmopolitan, with Real Madrid, Barcelona, PSG, AC Milan and Inter Miami all making the top 10. Shirts are available at the airport’s JD Sports store, which moved into the largest retail unit in the terminal last year as part of ongoing improvements.

East Midlands Airport’s Commercial Director Adam Andrews said: “The sale of football shirts at our JD Sports outlet offers a fascinating insight into some of our customers.

“The prominence of Aston Villa shirt sales backs up our understanding that many people choose to travel from the West Midlands so they can enjoy a hassle-free start to their holidays at East Midlands Airport.”

The changes are focused on improving the customer experience, with virtually no aspect of the journey through the airport untouched.

East Midlands Airport’s Managing Director Steve Griffiths said: “Everywhere you look, things have changed and improved to make the customer experience even better at East Midlands Airport as part of our investment programme. We’re already rated good to excellent by 97% of our customers, but we’re constantly striving to improve things further and make the start of everyone’s holidays from East Midlands as effortless and relaxing as possible.”

Here are 23 ways in which the airport has changed over the last two and a half years:

1.      Arriving at the airport, people using the Short Stay 1 car park have clearer signage and resurfaced, freshly laid-out parking spaces

2.      Anyone dropping off friends and family can now do so at a newly laid-out Rapid Drop Off area where queues are a thing of the past thanks to a new cashless, barrierless payment system

3.      Meet & Greet customers now benefit from a refurbished reception area, along with automated self-serve options that speed up the process of dropping off and collecting vehicle keys. A clearer colour-coded layout has also been introduced for easier vehicle collection

4.      New baggage trolleys are available

5.      Inside the terminal, after passing through new revolving doors in the check-in hall, customers are greeted with a new entrance to departures, with a new set of Automatic Boarding Card Reader gates in a fresh, welcoming setting with improved lighting and a media wall providing helpful pre-security preparation advice

6.      The security hall has been expanded and completely transformed to accommodate larger next-generation scanners which speed up the process by allowing customers to keep electronics and liquids in their bags. Wooden panelling, improved lighting and a media wall create a brighter, more welcoming space

7.      Lots has changed in the departure lounge. The Escape Lounge has been extended and refurbished to offer an enhanced experience to more customers

8.      A new Italian restaurant, Terracotta, has opened in a large unit in the departure lounge – offering customers a fresh dining experience

9.      A new Mediterranean restaurant, Alembic, was opened on the 60^th anniversary of the airport’s first day of operations

10. Refurbishment has been carried out to the Pork & Pickle food and drink outlet

11. A new WHSmith one-stop shop has opened in an enlarged unit, providing all the essentials for travellers including health and beauty products, tech, souvenirs and food and drink

12. The Castle Rock Bar and Kitchen has been refurbished

13. A new JD Sports outlet has opened in the airport’s largest retail unit

14. New and extra departure lounge seating is now available

15. A new Little Flyers interactive play zone has opened in a space previously occupied by the Quiet Room for Assisted Travel customers. The play zone includes a large role play plane on runway flooring, along with seven airport-themed games on the colourfully decorated walls, along with activity packs to keep young travellers occupied

16. The Assisted Travel service has been enhanced, with a new Quiet Room opening in a calmer part of the terminal, alongside a new sensory pod for customers with neurodivergent conditions – the first of its kind at a UK airport. Two new electric ambulifts and six new mobility scooters have also been added to help people’s journey through the airport and onto their plane

17. Toilet and baby changing facilities have been modernised and upgraded throughout the terminal from check-in to the departures lounge, as well as arrivals and the baggage reclaim hall, plus new Changing Places facilities landside and airside

18. New water fountains have been introduced in security and the departure lounge, as well as customer wi-fi being upgraded

19. Touch-screen customer service kiosks are now available in the departure lounge for easy access to information to complement the service provided by customer ambassadors

20. A new airside multi faith room has opened, complementing the one already available at check-in

21. On return from their holidays, customers now have a warmer welcome in an immigration hall refreshed in line with improvements elsewhere, with clearer wayfinding, wooden panelling and local landmark imagery

22. After passing through new anti-backtrack doors, there’s a new-look Lost Property hub in arrivals, where the WHSmith has also undergone a refresh

23. Some out-of-sight but important improvements have been carried out on the airfield too. This includes upgrades and maintenance of the runway, taxiways and aprons; increasing cargo stands for wide-bodied aircraft by four to 12; developing new gatehouse checkpoints to increase capacity and bring the security specifications in line with the next-generation equipment inside the terminal; upgrading the airport’s water management systems; investing in a new fleet of seven snowploughs to improve the airport’s response to wintry weather; and introducing state-of-the-art Air Traffic Control equipment.

The activity also coincides with World Environment Day, with the litter collected on June 3 and 4 separated into general waste and recyclable materials, as part of the day’s focus on climate action. The Airport Trail is popular among local walkers, aviation enthusiasts and dog walkers, providing a circular walk around the airport’s perimeter, including some picnic spots, art installations and information boards about local wildlife and the airport’s operations and history.

Plastics such as plastic bottles, metals such as drink cans, glass including bottles, and paper will all be separated out for recycling as teams of volunteers tackle the stretch of the Airport Trail alongside the A453.

The volunteering efforts also tie in with North West Leicestershire District Council's Love Your Neighbourhood campaign which aims to encourage local businesses to show commitment to the local environment and the communities they work in.

The airport encourages staff to get involved in a wide range of volunteer opportunities in surrounding communities. Over the last financial year, 37% of the workforce and all leaders carried out voluntary activities in local communities – giving the equivalent of more than 613 days to local projects, some of which the airport has helped to support with grants from its Community Fund.

Last year this included carrying out improvements to the Airport Trail itself, including resurfacing sections of the path and planting a hedgerow, to complement new signs and information boards provided as part of the airport’s 60^th anniversary celebrations. Other projects included Swarkestone Sailing Club where volunteers cleaned boats, pontoons and walkways ahead of Sailability sessions for disabled sailors; mucking out the enclosures at Redgate Farm Animal Sanctuary; along with a whole range of festive activities in neighbouring communities, such as wrapping and donating gifts to a local food bank and treating local children to a trip to the pantomime, complete with a visit from Santa and his elves to hand out gifts.

Community Engagement Manager at East Midlands Airport, Colleen Hempson, said: “We take volunteering really seriously at the airport, to give something back to the communities around us.

“Staff find it really rewarding and local organisations and projects appreciate us taking an active interest in supporting them. As well as being a great way to mark Volunteers Week, we’re really pleased our litter picks coincide with World Environment Day.”

The first flight departed on Sunday 31 May, further enhancing connectivity between the UK mainland and the Channel Islands.

The new route is introduced as East Midlands Airport gears up for its busy summer season, with signs that customers remain confident about booking from the popular holiday gateway. Last week saw its busiest day since Covid with 10,418 departing passengers, while the May half term saw 17,000 more people fly through the airport than last year.

Recently released data also reveals that the airport is rated good to excellent by 97% of customers and is the UK airport experiencing the fourth least delays, with 90.4% of flights getting away on time during its busiest early wave last year. And more than 99% of its customers clear security in under 15 minutes – all backing up the airport’s claim to offer effortless travel to its customers.

The newly-introduced Loganair flight is one of four new routes the airline is launching from its Channel Islands base with seasonal services to Norwich, Paris-Charles de Gaulle and Bordeaux all launching over a six-week period as part of a major expansion of services. Flights to East Midlands Airport start from just £94.

East Midlands Airport’s Commercial Director Adam Andrews said: “We’re really thrilled to be able to offer our customers daily flights to Jersey this summer, and were pleased to see the first flight depart on Sunday.

“We know Jersey is a really popular destination offering an idyllic island escape, and East Midlands is a fantastic gateway to the UK for Jersey residents looking for access to our great region and beyond.”

Ronnie Matheson, chief commercial officer at Loganair, said: “Our new East Midlands route is one of four new destinations we are launching via Jersey and represents a sizable investment for the airline, and Loganair’.

“Loganair has a long history of connecting regions which have been ignored or underserviced, and this route is no different, bridging two economic regions together support business and leisure travel.

“Customers will benefit from even more convenient access to key destinations across the UK and Europe.”

Customers flying with Loganair benefit from a 21kg baggage allowance included as standard, providing added value for longer stays and multi-stop trips, alongside convenient connections across the airline’s extensive regional network. Passengers can also benefit from Loganair’s partnerships with Emirates, Qatar Airways, Turkish Airlines, Singapore Airlines and Aer Lingus, securing onward travel with a single ticket.

Loganair was named the most punctual major airline for UK arrivals and departures in 2025 (January-September) by the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), with 81% of its flights arriving and departing on time – significantly above the industry average of 72%. CAA’s analysis covers the 20 airlines carrying the most passengers at UK airports.

Both instantly recognisable symbols of the region, Trent Bridge and East Midlands Airport will work together to highlight the scale of opportunity and ambition found across the East Midlands, reaching audiences at home and around the world.

The airport will be showcasing its offer to the Trent Bridge faithful, as it continues to expand its range of routes both to Europe and throughout the UK.

Meanwhile, visitors arriving at, or returning home to, East Midlands Airport will be greeted by branding showcasing one of the region's most prominent sporting venues on the global stage. 

The partnership encompasses a host of high-profile events at the historic home of Nottinghamshire CCC, with England and India's IT20 clash this summer set to attract billions of eyeballs, and with Trent Bridge hosting cricket's most historic rivalry next summer, as the Men's Ashes returns for the first time in 15 years. 

Adam Andrews, Commercial Director at East Midlands Airport, said: We’re absolutely delighted to be partnering with Trent Bridge. They are one of the region’s most recognisable institutions, putting Nottingham and the wider East Midlands on the global sporting map.

“We share Trent Bridge's ambition to represent our region and forge connections on the world stage - whether that's through sport, travel or leisure.”

Joe Sharphouse, Head of Commercial Sales at Trent Bridge, said: “Partnering with East Midlands Airport, the primary gateway in and out of the area, feels like a very natural fit for a venue that's proud to represent our region to international audiences.

“We’re excited to work collaboratively over the coming seasons, highlighting the great things the East Midlands has to offer and our great connections with the rest of the globe.”

The Meet the Buyer event, staged yesterday (May 21) at the Radisson Blu Hotel at the airport, attracted 124 suppliers who were given access to 23 buyers, through more than 650 face-to-face appointments.

As a significant driver of jobs and growth in the region, the airport represents a huge opportunity for a wide range of businesses, and the event provides a rare opportunity to make connections and strike deals. It comes as the airport grows its cargo operation, invests in its passenger and airfield facilities and seeks to grow its flight network. After the event, a number of suppliers gave positive feedback, with Rob Salt, of Prismo Global, summing it up: “All these buyers and knowledge in one room is like a dream. It's like one year's worth of work in one day.

Nick Adams, of Tommicks Ltd, said: “Today has given us the opportunity to speak directly to various companies of interest which is not normally possible when sending cold emails across, usually resulting in no response.  I made some good contacts and info on how to become a supplier to companies outside of our primary industry.”

Joanne McBean, of Creative Triangle, said: “It has been a great event to meet and engage with some brilliant conversations with Tier 1 suppliers that we have wanted to talk to for ages.”

Nathaniel Grant, of HSS Proservice, said: “These events are great to get to meet with the buyers, but even to connect with fellow suppliers is worthwhile as we've managed to meet a company that we will work with in the future.”

James Hatton, of Insigns, said: “Really enjoyed the Meet The Buyer event, the conversations felt genuine and it was great having direct access to the buyers in a relaxed setting. A worthwhile experience, with some really useful meetings and opportunities that you just wouldn’t get through emails or cold calls.”

Buyers also praised the event.

Mike O'Connor, of Bethell, said: “Nice and relaxed event. Very informative conversations and we've really been able to take the time and engage with the suppliers.”

Lewis Howie, of AIS, said: “Really good event. The suppliers have been a good variation and very relevant. Best Meet the Buyers we have been part of as far as the suppliers go.”

Julie Oakley, of De Montfort University, said: "It has been useful to see and talk to a wide range of suppliers from our local areas that have the capability to add value to our institution."  

Marcella M’Rabety, Group Head of Social Sustainability at MAG, said: “We’re pleased that the Meet the Buyers event has been another success, bringing together major buyers in our supply chains to connect with the relevant businesses in the areas we serve.

“It provides the introduction for meaningful business relationships and boosts the benefit of our airports to local economies.”