East Midlands Airport

East Midlands Airport serves as a true aerial gateway to the heart of England, strategically located at the crossroads between Nottingham, Derby, and Leicester. This compact yet vibrant aviation hub is renowned for its friendly atmosphere and lack of the hustle and bustle typical of giant capital hubs. Thanks to its location, it has become not only a key point for budget travel across Europe but also an important centre for those wishing to immerse themselves immediately in the atmosphere of the British countryside, bypassing London's traffic.

Features and advantages of the airport:

The main advantage of East Midlands is its transport accessibility. The airport is located in immediate proximity to the M1 motorway, allowing you to reach the centre of Nottingham in just 20–30 minutes by car or the 24-hour Skylink bus. There is only one terminal here, so navigation is intuitive, and security procedures are significantly faster than in major airports.

A unique feature of the airport is the Aeropark — an aviation museum and open-air viewing platform located on the north-western edge of the airfield. Here you can see a collection of historic aircraft and watch the takeoff and landing of modern liners from a close distance, making the wait for a flight an exciting adventure.

Furthermore, East Midlands is one of the UK's largest cargo hubs, so life on the runway is busy even at night. For passengers, all necessary amenities are provided: from the Escape business lounge to duty-free shops and cosy cafés where you can have a snack before departure.

For your convenience, we have compiled the main contact information for East Midlands Airport (EMA). We recommend always checking the accuracy of the data on the official website before your trip.

• Official Website: www.eastmidlandsairport.com — here you will find the latest information on flights, services, and airport regulations.
• Information Service Telephone: +44 (0) 808 169 7032. Before calling, please check the operating hours and call costs on the airport website.
• Address: East Midlands Airport, Castle Donington, Derby, DE74 2SA, United Kingdom. The airport is located between the cities of Derby, Leicester, and Nottingham.
• Email: To contact various airport services, it is recommended to use the specialised contact forms available on the official website in the "Contact Us" section.
• Social Media: You can follow news and receive operational updates on the airport's official pages on X (formerly Twitter) and Facebook.
• Lost Luggage Information: If your luggage has been lost or damaged, you should primarily contact your airline representative or the ground handling agent. Their contacts are usually available on the airport website.
• Passenger Support Contacts: For questions related to special assistance (for example, for passengers with reduced mobility), you must contact your airline directly at least 48 hours before departure.

Getting to East Midlands Airport from Nottingham and neighbouring cities, such as Derby and Leicester, is possible via several convenient methods. The choice of the optimal option depends on your budget, time, and comfort preferences, but thanks to the developed transport network, the journey will be hassle-free.

Public Transport is the most popular and budget-friendly method. The main operator is the bus company Skylink, whose routes connect the airport with the centres of Nottingham, Derby, and Leicester around the clock. The trip from Nottingham usually takes from 45 to 60 minutes, depending on the time of day and traffic conditions. This is an excellent choice for solo travellers and those looking to save money.

There is no direct rail link to the airport. The nearest station is East Midlands Parkway, located just a few kilometres away. From there, special shuttle buses run regularly to the terminal. This option is convenient if you are heading to the airport from other regions of the United Kingdom by train. You can also take a train to Nottingham or Derby stations and then transfer to the Skylink bus.

Taxi or pre-booked transfer is the fastest and most comfortable way to reach the terminal. A trip from the centre of Nottingham will take about 30 minutes excluding traffic. This is an ideal option for families with children, travellers with a large amount of luggage, or those who value personal space and time. The cost of such a trip will be significantly higher than public transport, but the convenience often justifies the expense.

If you prefer independence, you can use a rented or personal car. The airport is conveniently located near the major M1 motorway, making access simple and straightforward. Various types of parking are provided on the airport territory: from short-term for pick-ups and drop-offs to long-term for those leaving their car for the duration of their holiday. It is strongly recommended to book a parking space online in advance — this helps to save significantly.

East Midlands Airport (EMA) is distinguished by a simple and passenger-friendly structure. All flight service operations are concentrated in one passenger terminal, which significantly simplifies navigation and eliminates the need to move between different buildings.

The terminal layout is intuitive. The ground floor houses the general area, including check-in counters and the arrivals area. After completing check-in, passengers proceed to the first floor, where the security checkpoint leading to the spacious departure lounge is located. Here you will find shops, cafés, and boarding gates. Thanks to the airport's compact size, the walk from the terminal entrance to the gate takes little time.

The arrivals area is located on the ground floor and is equipped with everything necessary: baggage reclaim belts, customs control counters, and car rental company desks. The exit from the arrivals area leads directly into the main hall, from where it is easy to reach taxi stands, bus stops, and car parks.

Check-in and security procedures at East Midlands Airport usually proceed quite quickly. Nevertheless, it is recommended to arrive at the airport well in advance — at least 2 hours before departure for a domestic flight and 3 hours for an international one. During peak seasons, such as summer months or holiday periods, waiting times may increase, so it is worth allowing extra time.

To navigate the terminal, simply follow the numerous signs in English. Information boards with flight schedules are located throughout the building, allowing you to easily track your flight status and gate number. Because all services are located in one building, East Midlands Airport is one of the most convenient regional airports in the UK for travellers.

The history of East Midlands Airport (EMA) is a journey from a military base to one of the most important transport hubs in the United Kingdom. Its story began during the Second World War, when a Royal Air Force base named RAF Castle Donington was opened here in 1943. After the war ended, the base was closed in 1946 and remained abandoned for almost two decades.

Revival occurred in the 1960s when the authorities of three counties — Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, and Leicestershire — decided to create a regional airport. They purchased the former military base, and after extensive reconstruction, the official opening of the civilian East Midlands Airport took place on 2 April 1965. This event became the starting point for the development of air travel in the region, providing convenient access for residents of Nottingham and neighbouring cities.

A key stage of development was the extension of the runway in the 1970s, which allowed for the accommodation of larger long-haul aircraft. In the following decades, the airport was modernised repeatedly: a new modern passenger terminal was opened in 1996, and another reconstruction took place in the 2000s to increase capacity. Privatisation in 1993 and the subsequent transfer under the management of Manchester Airports Group (MAG) in 2001 attracted new investments and contributed to further growth.

Today, East Midlands Airport is known not only as a popular passenger hub for budget airlines but also as the UK's largest dedicated air cargo hub. At night, its aprons fill with aircraft from global logistics giants such as DHL, UPS, and FedEx, making it the heart of British express delivery. This unique dual status is one of the main achievements in its modern history.

Interesting fact: the airport is located in immediate proximity to the famous Donington Park racing circuit. The roar of racing car engines and the hum of aircraft engines create a unique atmosphere here. This symbiosis of speed and technology highlights the dynamic character of the airport, which has journeyed from a military airfield to a key element of national infrastructure.

East Midlands Airport (EMA) offers passengers a full range of services for a comfortable wait for their flight. In the terminal, you will find various cafés, dining venues, and restaurants where you can have a snack before your flight — from a quick coffee with a sandwich to a full meal. For shopping enthusiasts, stores are open, including Duty Free, where you can purchase perfumes, cosmetics, confectionery, souvenirs, and travel goods.

For those who prefer to wait for their flight in a quieter environment, the Escape Lounge offers enhanced comfort. Here guests are offered complimentary beverages and snacks, fresh press, and a cosy atmosphere. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the terminal, and numerous charging stations for gadgets will allow you to stay connected at all times.

Financial services are represented by ATMs and currency exchange points. In case of necessity, passengers can visit the first aid point. For travellers with small children, special mother and child rooms with changing tables are equipped, making travelling with little ones much more convenient.

The airport pays great attention to passengers with reduced mobility. A special assistance service is provided, which is recommended to be booked in advance through the airline. The terminal is equipped with ramps, lifts, and accessible restrooms for comfortable movement.

If you have an early departure or late arrival, you can stay at one of the hotels located in close proximity to the airport. Some of them are within walking distance, while shuttles run to others. For business travellers, conference rooms and business services are available, often provided in VIP lounges or nearby hotels.

At East Midlands Airport, you will easily find a place to have a snack or a full lunch, regardless of your budget and the time you have available. Dining options are conveniently located both before and after security control.

Before Security (Landside), the choice of establishments is somewhat limited, but you can have a coffee or get food to take away. Usually, coffee shops are located here, which are convenient for meeting people seeing you off or for a quick refreshment immediately upon arrival at the airport. This is an ideal place for those who have arrived early and want to relax before checking in for their flight.

The main part of restaurants and cafés is located in the Departure Lounge (Airside), after passing security control. Here the choice is significantly wider:

• For a full meal: If you want to enjoy a traditional British atmosphere, visit the venue Castle Rock Taproom & Kitchen. Here you can not only have a hearty lunch by ordering classic dishes but also try local specialities. For lovers of American-Italian cuisine, the restaurant Frankie & Benny’s is open.
• For a quick snack: Fast food chains, such as Burger King, offer familiar and quick solutions. For a healthier alternative, it is worth visiting Leon, which is famous for its menu with an emphasis on fresh and wholesome ingredients.
• Coffee and desserts: Numerous coffee shops, for example Starbucks, offer a wide range of hot and cold beverages, pastries, and sandwiches.

Travellers with special dietary needs will also not go hungry. Most establishments, especially Leon and Frankie & Benny’s, have vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options on the menu. We recommend checking information with staff when ordering. The price range varies from budget options in fast food and supermarkets (for example, sandwiches at WHSmith) to moderate prices in restaurants and dining venues.

Most dining points operate in accordance with the flight schedule — from early morning until late evening. However, it is better to check exact opening hours on the official airport website before your trip. Thus, coffee shops and fast food are suitable for a quick and inexpensive snack, while a dining venue or one of the restaurants in the secure area is suitable for a leisurely meal before departure.

To ensure your journey through East Midlands Airport goes as smoothly as possible, take advantage of these proven tips. A little preparation will help save time, money, and stress, allowing you to focus fully on your upcoming trip.

Arrival Time and Check-in: For international flights, it is recommended to arrive at the airport 2-3 hours before departure, and for domestic ones — 1.5-2 hours. East Midlands Airport is not the largest in the United Kingdom, but during peak hours (early morning, weekends, and school holiday days), queues for check-in and security can be longer. Always check your airline's recommendations. To save time, complete online check-in and, if travelling without luggage, head straight to security.

Passing Security Control: Prepare for screening in advance. All liquids in containers up to 100 ml must be in a transparent resealable bag. Laptops, tablets, and other large electronics must be removed from your bag into a separate tray. This is a standard procedure that will significantly speed up your passage through the security zone.

Hand Luggage Do's and Don'ts: Besides restrictions on liquids, remember that sharp objects (scissors, knives), flammable substances, and other dangerous items are prohibited in hand luggage. We recommend always keeping your most valuable items in your hand luggage: documents, money, prescription medication, a portable charger, and a change of clothes in case of luggage delay.

Choosing a Seat on the Plane: Want to admire the views — choose a window seat. Need extra legroom and quick access to the aisle — your seat is by the aisle. Seats in the front of the cabin allow for a quicker exit from the plane upon arrival, while seats over the wing usually ensure a smoother flight with less turbulence.

Passengers with Connections and Customs Control: East Midlands is most often a final destination or departure point rather than a major transit hub. If you have a self-transfer, you will likely need to collect your luggage, pass passport control, check in again for the next flight, and pass security again. Have your passport ready when entering the country. There are separate lanes for UK citizens and other nationalities. Follow the "Nothing to Declare" signs if you do not have goods subject to duty.

Savings and Life Hacks: Airport parking, like tickets for the express bus to Nottingham, is always cheaper to book online and in advance. Bring an empty reusable water bottle with you — after passing security, you can fill it for free at drinking fountains.

If Your Flight is Delayed: In case of a flight delay, remain calm. Find out the reason from an airline representative. For long delays (usually over 2 hours), airlines are obliged to provide vouchers for food and drinks. Ensure your phone is charged, and have a book or downloaded films to pass the time. It is also useful to familiarise yourself with the terms of your travel insurance in advance for such situations.