East Midlands Airport reveals £120m investment programme

East Midlands Airport (EMA) has announced a £120m investment that it hopes will improve passenger experience over the next five years.

The work will see the security hall expanded and next generation scanning equipment installed, improvements to toilet facilities and customer seating, new roofs and improvement to heating and cooling in the terminal – as well as upgrades to air traffic control systems.

Works have started on the extension of the security hall, following planning approval from North West Leicestershire District Council. Internal improvements will include enhancements to the entrance portal to improve access into the main security area, as well as enhancements to the facility to improve its look and feel.

This will mean that next generation body and baggage scanning technology can be installed to allow passengers to pass through security checks without the need to separate electronic devices from baggage. The security changes are part of new Government rules, which will also see the removal of the 100ml liquid restrictions.

Also underway are improvements to the main customer toilets in the departure lounge, next to the Castle Rock bar.

As part of the investment programme, EMA is also exploring a range of options for improving the rapid drop-off area which will help to improve the flow of vehicles through the site, which could include installing cashless and barrierless operating systems.

Reconstruction and resurfacing of the taxiways will also be carried out. The size and number of aircraft using EMA has increased and this drives the need to invest in renewing and reconstructing some of the most heavily trafficked areas to better accommodate modern aircraft. This work will be carried out through programmes of closures including overnight and at weekends and in consultation with airlines so disruption is minimised.

Steve Griffiths, EMA’s managing director, said: “This is the start of a very exciting period for the airport. Our passenger numbers are almost back to pre-Covid levels and our already significant air cargo operation has capacity to expand, along with the potential for growth and investment that the East Midlands Freeport brings.

“This programme of substantial investment at EMA demonstrates our confidence in the future and will help to improve the experience of flying from and trading through East Midlands Airport. We’re really proud of the effortless travel we provide that prompts people to choose EMA for their holidays abroad, and of the vital part we lay in powering UK trade. We’re always looking at ways to improve and this investment will help us do that over the next five years and beyond.”