East Midlands Airport Strengthens Cargo Leadership and Maintains Passenger Services in 60th Anniversary Year

East Midlands Airport reinforced its status as the UK’s premier express cargo hub while maintaining stable passenger numbers during its 60th anniversary year.

The latest Annual Report from Manchester Airports Group (MAG), which owns East Midlands Airport along with Manchester and Stansted airports, revealed that the group handled a record 66 million passengers across all three airports in 2025, marking a 1.9% increase compared to the previous year.

At East Midlands Airport, passenger figures remained steady at 4 million, with airlines Jet2 and TUI expanding their offerings by introducing new routes to popular European destinations. The airport continued to enhance its facilities through a £120 million investment programme focused on both passenger and airfield improvements.

Operational efficiency was highlighted by 99% of passengers passing through security within 15 minutes. Additionally, East Midlands Airport secured the highest ‘Very Good’ rating from the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) for accessibility for the sixth consecutive year, credited to its award-winning assisted travel service.

Cargo operations experienced significant growth, with volumes increasing by 12.5%, primarily driven by East Midlands. The airport handled over 400,000 tonnes of cargo for the first time since the pandemic, contributing to one-third of the UK’s overall air cargo growth.

Seven new cargo airlines commenced services at East Midlands in 2025, including Chinese logistics company YunExpress, which launched its inaugural UK route with a twice-weekly service to China. Other new operators included Etihad Cargo, Atlas Air, Saudi Cargo, SF Express, Hong Kong Air Cargo, and Ethiopian Cargo, servicing routes to the United Arab Emirates and Asia.

To accommodate anticipated freight demand projected to rise by 54% over the next 20 years, the airport announced plans to expand cargo capacity by 50 hectares. This expansion aims to increase annual cargo volumes to over 580,000 tonnes and is expected to support up to £3.4 billion in additional economic contributions to the regional economy.

The report also detailed environmental and community initiatives, noting that all operational vehicles have transitioned to biodiesel. Engagement with local communities included educational and training programmes, highlighted by the airport’s first Aviation Careers Festival. Staff volunteering, funding for community projects, and a series of events commemorating the 60th anniversary further demonstrated the airport’s commitment to its surrounding areas.

Steve Griffiths, Managing Director of East Midlands Airport, commented: “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.”

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