East Midlands airport sees 11.4% cargo surge following major development drive

East Midlands Airport (EMA) has recorded a sharp 11.4% year-on-year rise in cargo volumes between May and October 2025, marking a strong response to its recently launched cargo expansion strategy.

According to EMA, cargo throughput during the six-month period reached nearly 240,000 tonnes, up by almost 25,000 tonnes compared with the same time last year. The airport’s management noted that this surge came even before the onset of the peak cargo season, when volumes typically climb due to Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and pre-Christmas trade. A further 63% short-term increase in cargo flight movements is anticipated in the coming weeks.

Unveiled in May 2025, EMA’s long-term cargo development plan aims to support an expected 54% rise in cargo demand over the next two decades, growing annual volumes from 400,000 tonnes today to around 583,000 tonnes by 2043.

The airport has designated four development plots totalling 50 hectares near the runway for logistics expansion. Once operational, these facilities could generate over 21,000 new jobs and contribute nearly £4 billion to the regional economy.

Since the plan’s rollout, EMA has added six new cargo carriers to its roster — Central Airlines, Atlas Air, Ethiopian Cargo, Saudia Cargo, Etihad Cargo, and SF Express — with a seventh airline expected to join soon.

Supporting infrastructure and services have also expanded rapidly. Swissport and FedEx have both moved into larger facilities, new widebody aircraft stands have been introduced, and UK cargo airline One Air has launched charter operations at EMA after relocating from Heathrow, with a fifth aircraft due shortly.