East Midlands Airport (EMA) is experiencing a significant uptick in holiday travel, according to recent statistics. Located in the heart of England, EMA serves as a crucial gateway for travellers from the Midlands, South Yorkshire, and beyond.
Last month, over 521,000 travelers passed through the airport, marking a 5.2% increase compared to July of the previous year as the peak summer season kicked off.
Situated near Castle Donington in Leicestershire, EMA has been in operation since 1965. It’s strategically positioned at the intersection of Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, and Leicestershire, making it easily accessible to millions of potential passengers.
The airport primarily serves low-cost and charter airlines, offering flights to popular European destinations as well as some long-haul routes.
EMA Summer Upgrades
To enhance the traveler experience, EMA has introduced several new features this summer. A recently upgraded seating area has been complemented by a new space in the departure lounge, adding 60 extra seats near boarding gates.
This expansion addresses one of the most common passenger requests: more comfortable waiting areas. The airport has also opened a Changing Places toilet and a modern baby changing facility, with plans to unveil a new multi-faith room soon, supplementing the existing one in the check-in hall.
Visitors will notice significant improvements in amenities, including the new “The Yard by Castle Rock” bar, a renovated Castle Rock Bar & Kitchen, updated toilet facilities, and a refurbished JD Sports shop.
The airport’s newly-launched Little Flyers Club has been a hit, featuring a “Little Book of Travel Tales” for children.
This initiative demonstrates EMA’s focus on improving the travel experience for families. Young travellers can also take photos with five colourful cartoon characters on a selfie board in the terminal. This added a fun element to their journey.
Steve Griffiths, EMA’s Managing Director, commented on the airport’s performance. “We’re thrilled to see more visitors this summer while maintaining our reputation for efficiency. Our focus on being welcoming and accessible for all has once again earned us the highest CAA rating for accessibility.”
He added, “We’re continually investing to improve the airport experience, from adding extra seating to enhancing our retail and dining options. The new Little Flyers’ Club has been particularly well-received by families, helping young travelers enjoy their time at the airport.”
Conclusion
EMA’s appeal extends beyond its immediate region, attracting travellers from South Yorkshire, Northamptonshire, and Staffordshire due to its hassle-free experience.
Located just two minutes from the M1 motorway, the airport boasts efficient security processes, with queues consistently under 15 minutes for the past five months.
This efficiency is a key factor in EMA’s growing popularity, especially among those seeking a stress-free start to their holidays.
In addition to passenger services, East Midlands Airport plays a significant role in the UK’s cargo operations. It’s the country’s busiest pure cargo airport, handling over 320,000 tonnes of flown cargo annually.
This dual function as both a passenger and cargo hub contributes to its importance in the regional and national economy.
Recent accolades underscore EMA’s commitment to quality service. The airport received a ‘very good’ rating for accessibility from the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) and ranked 13th among 119 European airports for customer experience in the internationally-recognized Airport Service Quality rankings.
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