East Midlands Airport Reports Strong Cargo Growth Ahead of Peak Season

Significant Volume Increase from May to October

East Midlands Airport (EMA) has recorded a notable rise in cargo activity over the six-month period from May to October, marking one of its strongest mid-year performances in recent years. According to the airport, cargo throughput during this period reached nearly 240,000 tonnes, representing an 11.4% increase year on year. This growth translates to an additional 25,000 tonnes compared with the same timeframe last year.

The improvement follows closely on the heels of EMA’s rollout of an extensive cargo development strategy, introduced in May. Airport officials have pointed to this plan as a key factor contributing to the rapid escalation of cargo operations and new business activity.

Peak Season Expected to Accelerate Growth

While the May–October results have been encouraging, EMA emphasized that this impressive momentum is only the beginning. The airport is now entering its traditional peak cargo season, driven primarily by heightened e-commerce demand. Key retail events—including Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and the broader pre-Christmas shopping period—are expected to significantly escalate flight activity.

EMA forecasts a 63% short-term increase in cargo flight movements in the coming weeks. This surge typically comes from a combination of dedicated freighters, ad-hoc charters, and increased schedules from existing cargo carriers responding to seasonal demand spikes.

Long-Term Cargo Development Plans

The airport’s cargo expansion plans, revealed earlier this year, form a central component of its long-term vision to reinforce EMA’s position as the UK’s leading dedicated air cargo hub. Over the next two decades, the airport anticipates a substantial 54% rise in demand, which would see annual cargo volumes climb from today’s 400,000 tonnes to approximately 583,000 tonnes by 2043.

To support this projected growth, EMA has designated four development plots totaling 50 hectares adjacent to the runway. These areas are earmarked for new logistics facilities, warehouses, and cargo handling operations. According to EMA, the planned developments could generate more than 21,000 jobs and deliver an estimated £4 billion in economic value to the region.

New Cargo Airlines Strengthen Network

Since the announcement of the cargo development programme, EMA has successfully attracted several new cargo carriers, reinforcing the airport’s network and operational capacity. Six airlines have already joined the roster:

Central Airlines
Atlas Air
Ethiopian Cargo
Saudia Cargo
Etihad Cargo
SF Express

The influx of new carriers has been a major contributor to the recent hike in cargo volumes. The airport also revealed it expects to add a seventh cargo airline, although the name and timeline have not yet been disclosed. With these additions, EMA continues to solidify its strategic role as a gateway for global trade, particularly for express freight and e-commerce flows.

Infrastructure Enhancements and Operator Expansions

Complementing the increase in airline activity, several major logistics and ground handling companies have expanded their presence at the airport. Swissport and FedEx, both long-standing partners, have moved into larger facilities to accommodate the rising volume of goods moving through EMA.

In addition, the airport has invested in expanding its aircraft parking capacity, including the development of new widebody stands to support larger freighters. This infrastructure enhancement is essential for handling the long-range aircraft frequently used by global cargo airlines.

The UK-based cargo airline One Air has also contributed to EMA’s strengthened cargo landscape. After shifting operations from Heathrow to East Midlands, One Air has expanded its charter services and grown its fleet. The company expects to introduce its fifth aircraft in the coming weeks, adding further capacity to EMA’s operations ahead of the peak season.

Leadership Perspective and Strategic Vision

Adam Andrews, appointed as EMA’s new commercial director in September, highlighted the remarkable progress made in such a short period. He described the recent developments not merely as growth but as a “transformation” in the airport’s cargo ecosystem. Andrews emphasized that the arrival of each new airline brings substantial economic benefits—including job creation, increased trade activity, and enhanced connectivity for the Midlands region.

He also reiterated EMA’s commitment to advancing the UK’s largest dedicated air cargo development scheme. With a 24/7 operating model, strategic central location, and strong expertise in freighter operations, the airport aims to continue positioning itself as a critical facilitator of global supply chains.

Andrews remarked that the airport’s ongoing expansion will help “drive seamless international trade” and amplify its contribution to both the regional and national economy. As peak season approaches, EMA’s strengthened cargo infrastructure and expanded airline network place it in a strong position to handle accelerating demand and support the UK’s logistics sector.