East Midlands Airport in the UK is seeking to expand its number of flights in order to become a major hub for European holidaymakers. The airport, located between Loughborough, Derby, and Nottingham, is already in discussions with airlines to increase both cargo and passenger flights. Currently, the airport offers flights to 70 destinations in Europe and North Africa, but the goal is to provide more one-stop connections for passengers.
Adam Andrews, the airport’s new commercial director, stated that they are looking to build relationships with businesses and decision-makers in the region to understand how they can work together to maximize the airport’s potential. This includes increasing the mix of leisure destinations, introducing business routes, and providing year-round connectivity to the world. The airport also plans to increase flight options during peak seasons, such as summer holidays, and consider adding more flights during the traditional off-peak seasons.
One of the main goals is to make it easier for travelers to access the airport, rather than having to travel across the country to reach it. The airport’s strategic location between Africa, Europe, and the US makes it an ideal hub for low-budget airlines such as Jet2, Ryanair, and TUI Airways. Originally a Royal Air Force station, the airport was redeveloped into a civilian airport in 1965.
Despite its success as the UK’s number one express air freight hub, the airport does not have direct access via a passenger rail network. The nearest railway station is East Midlands Parkway, located about four miles away. Plans have been proposed in the past for a dedicated railway station at the airport, but it is not expected to be completed for another decade.
In other airport news, Gatwick Airport in the UK has recently been approved for a £2. 2 billion expansion project that will include a new full runway. This will allow for an additional 100,000 flights per year, making it the second busiest airport in the UK. Low-budget airlines such as Ryanair, TUI, and Jet2 are among the carriers that frequently operate from Gatwick.