Cargo traffic at East Midlands Airport has climbed 11.4% year on year, with nearly 240,000 tonnes handled between May and October. The rise follows the launch of the airport’s cargo development programme earlier this year, which aims to strengthen its position as a leading UK logistics hub.
The airport has experienced a surge in activity ahead of its peak season, with flight movements expected to increase by more than 60% in the short term as Black Friday and pre-Christmas trade ramp up. Current forecasts suggest cargo volumes could grow from around 400,000 tonnes to 583,000 tonnes by 2043.
Four plots adjacent to the runway, covering 50 hectares, have been designated for cargo expansion. The proposed development could generate more than 21,000 jobs and contribute close to £4 billion to the regional economy.
Since announcing its growth plans, East Midlands Airport has added six new cargo carriers, including Central Airlines, Atlas Air, Ethiopian Cargo, Saudia Cargo, Etihad Cargo, and SF Express, with another expected to join. Logistics firms such as Swissport and FedEx have expanded their airport facilities, while new stands have been added to accommodate increased aircraft traffic. Cargo airline One Air has also relocated from Heathrow, expanded its fleet, and introduced new charter services to meet demand.
