East Midlands Airport has seen a notable increase in air freight activity, reinforcing its status as a key UK cargo hub. From May to July, the airport handled more than 103,000 tonnes of goods, a 17.4% rise compared with the same period in 2024. July alone recorded almost 20% year-on-year growth, driven in part by new connections to China.
Four new cargo operators – Central Airlines, Atlas Air, Ethiopian Cargo and Saudia Cargo – have joined the airport alongside existing carriers. Central Airlines, operating for Chinese logistics firm YunExpress, launched services in May and plans to increase weekly flights from two to five. British carrier One Air is expanding scheduled routes linking Europe with Dubai and Hong Kong, adding Boeing 777 aircraft to its fleet.
EMA’s growth is supported by a focus on dedicated freighter aircraft rather than passenger flights carrying cargo in their holds. The airport processed 375,000 tonnes of freight worth £37bn in 2024/25. Infrastructure upgrades include 12 cargo stands capable of handling wide-bodied aircraft. Manchester Airports Group plans further expansion, including additional stands, new warehouses and more logistics space.
Forecasts project express freight volumes could rise more than 50% over the next 20 years, supporting 20,000 jobs and generating £4bn for the economy.
