East Midlands Airport (EMA), as it approaches its 60th anniversary, is embarking on a comprehensive development plan, backed by a £120 million five-year investment programme. This initiative, which began last year, includes a range of upgrades aimed at enhancing the airport’s infrastructure and services.
The airport, located in Leicestershire, has already completed the initial phase of these improvements. Additional works are scheduled to continue throughout 2025, coinciding with the airport’s diamond anniversary. So far, EMA has introduced several new amenities, including a new bar, upgraded toilets, and changing tables for children. The departure hall now features a larger JD Sports store and new seating areas.
In terms of operational improvements, EMA has modernized its air traffic control and airport equipment. New luggage trolleys have been added, and a dedicated room for delegations has been created in the operational zone. As part of the investment programme, the airport has also renovated the surfaces of its runways, installed energy-saving LED lighting, and expanded the security hall to accommodate advanced scanning equipment. This new scanning technology allows passengers to keep electronic devices and 100 ml of liquids in their hand luggage, streamlining the security process.
The security hall upgrades are ongoing and are expected to be completed by summer. Additionally, the two toilets in the departure hall are being upgraded to meet the standards of the other airport facilities, including the addition of special workstations for parents to care for their children.
To improve passenger flow, the “fast-disembark area” has been redesigned with wider side walks and clearer pedestrian crossings. New customer information kiosks have been installed in the departure hall, and a lost and found centre is set to open next summer.
Furthermore, EMA has introduced new charging points for electric vehicles and has become the first UK airport to deploy a fully electric ambulift. This ambulift is designed to assist passengers with mobility issues when boarding and disembarking aircraft.
EMA’s Managing Director, Steve Griffiths, expressed his enthusiasm for the upcoming anniversary and the ongoing improvements. He noted that the investments made last year and those planned for this year will significantly enhance the customer experience, aligning with the expectations of modern travellers and maintaining the highest quality of service and convenience.
The airport is also undertaking scheduled closures to carry out essential maintenance and upgrades to its runway, taxiways, and aprons. These closures, timed to coincide with periods when there are no flights, will involve around 116 vehicles and 126 personnel working across the airfield. The upgrades include converting runway edge lights to inset LED lights for improved safety and snow clearing, upgrading taxiway and apron surfaces, enhancing the hydrant system and drainage, and performing routine maintenance on the airfield infrastructure.
