East Midlands Airport is cementing its position as the UK’s primary cargo-only gateway. December’s freight volumes hit almost 38,000 tonnes, a 37% jump year on year.
The growth follows a deliberate strategy. Seven new carriers launched operations during 2025, including Hong Kong Cargo, Atlas Air, Ethiopian Cargo, Saudia Cargo, Etihad Cargo, SF Express and Central Airlines. One Air relocated from Heathrow entirely, choosing East Midlands over the congested passenger hub.
Operational efficiency gains drive volume growth
Between May and October, the airport handled nearly 240,000 tonnes. Across ten months, cargo volumes reached 345,800 tonnes, up 15%. The financial year beginning in April saw 313,615 tonnes move through the facility, putting it on track to exceed the previous year’s total of 370,000 tonnes.
Aircraft movements tell a different story. Freight flights fell 7% to 18,400 over the same period. Larger aircraft explain the gap. Boeing 777 freighters and other wide-body jets are replacing smaller capacity planes, moving more cargo per flight.
This operational shift matters for shippers. Fewer movements with higher volumes per flight mean better slot utilisation and improved turnaround times. The airport has created space for four additional wide-bodied aircraft on the apron as part of ongoing infrastructure work.
Strategic location underpins cargo appeal
East Midlands sits at the centre of UK logistics infrastructure. 85% of the UK population is within a four-hour truck drive. 81% of large-scale warehousing sits within 200 kilometres of the runway.
The airport operates 24/7 with fewer night flying restrictions than passenger-led gateways. Cargo takes priority over passenger movements. This matters when last-minute capacity is needed or when peak season demand spikes.
Flight movements are forecast to increase by more than 60% in the short term. The airport launched a formal cargo development programme earlier in 2025 to manage this growth and attract new carriers.
For freight forwarders looking to compare UK airfreight rates and capacity options, East Midlands offers a viable alternative to congested passenger hubs with better ground handling efficiency and faster customs clearance times.
£120 million infrastructure investment programme
The airport completed a £10.5 million investment in airfield gatehouse facilities. This forms part of a wider £120 million improvement programme targeting cargo operations.
Four plots adjacent to the runway, totalling more than 50 hectares, have been designated for cargo development. Two of these plots carry East Midlands Freeport tax-site status, offering customs and tax benefits for tenants.
Development plans include 122,000 square metres of warehouse space, 51,000 square metres of landside yard space, 1,000 parking spaces, and apron space for up to 18 additional aircraft. The infrastructure will support direct ramp access and reduce ground handling times.
Long-term capacity projections
Current volumes sit around 400,000 tonnes annually. The airport projects 491,000 tonnes by 2030 and 583,000 tonnes by 2043. That represents 54% growth over two decades.
An economic impact assessment from Sustainable Aviation UK estimates the expansion could support more than 21,000 jobs. The regional economy could see a £3.9 billion injection from cargo-related activity, logistics employment and ancillary services.
New carrier additions signal confidence
Six carriers joined East Midlands after the airport announced its growth plans. Central Airlines, Atlas Air, Ethiopian Cargo, Saudia Cargo, Etihad Cargo and SF Express all started operations. Existing operators are expanding their facilities on site.
The carrier mix matters. Airlines are adding long-haul routes from Asia, the Middle East and Africa. These lanes complement existing European and transatlantic services, giving forwarders more routing options and frequency.
The 11.4% year-on-year cargo traffic increase between May and October confirms that carriers see demand. Peak season preparations are underway, with flight movements expected to spike ahead of Black Friday and Christmas.
Industry perspective: decentralised capacity builds resilience
East Midlands’ growth demonstrates a shift in UK airfreight strategy. Relying on passenger-led gateways creates bottlenecks when belly capacity drops or passenger demand spikes.
Dedicated cargo airports offer predictable capacity, lower ground handling costs and faster customs clearance. For SME freight forwarders competing with larger players, access to regional cargo hubs levels the playing field. Rates are often more competitive, and capacity availability is higher during peak periods.
The Freeport status adds another dimension. Customs deferrals and duty relief make East Midlands attractive for consolidation, warehousing and value-added services. Forwarders can offer clients more flexible inbound logistics without additional cost.
Decentralised cargo infrastructure also reduces supply chain risk. When Heathrow or other major gateways face, alternatives with capacity and infrastructure become critical. East Midlands is building that capability now.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is East Midlands Airport growing faster than other UK cargo airports?
East Midlands operates as a dedicated cargo airport with 24/7 operations and fewer night flying restrictions. Its central UK location puts 85% of the population within a four-hour truck drive, and 81% of large-scale warehousing sits within 200 kilometres. The airport has added seven new carriers in 2025 and is investing £120 million in cargo infrastructure, including 50 hectares of development land with Freeport tax-site status on two plots.
What is the East Midlands Freeport and how does it benefit cargo operators?
The East Midlands Freeport offers customs and tax benefits for cargo operators. Two of the four designated cargo development plots carry Freeport tax-site status. This allows businesses to defer customs duties on imported goods until they leave the Freeport zone, reducing upfront costs and improving cash flow for logistics companies, forwarders and manufacturers using the facility.
Which new cargo carriers have started flying to East Midlands Airport?
Seven new carriers joined East Midlands during 2025: Hong Kong Cargo, Atlas Air, Ethiopian Cargo, Saudia Cargo, Etihad Cargo, SF Express and Central Airlines. One Air also relocated its operations from Heathrow to East Midlands. These additions expand route coverage to Asia, the Middle East and Africa, complementing existing European and transatlantic services.
How much cargo capacity will East Midlands Airport have by 2043?
East Midlands handled around 370,000 tonnes in the previous financial year. Projections show volumes reaching 491,000 tonnes by 2030 and 583,000 tonnes by 2043, representing 54% growth. The airport is developing 50 hectares of cargo facilities with 122,000 square metres of warehouse space and apron space for up to 18 additional aircraft to support this expansion.
What makes East Midlands Airport more efficient than passenger-led cargo gateways?
East Midlands achieved 15% cargo volume growth with 7% fewer aircraft movements by accommodating larger freighters like Boeing 777s. As a cargo-priority airport, it avoids passenger movement conflicts, offers faster turnaround times and provides more predictable slot availability. Ground handling is faster, and customs clearance times are shorter than at congested mixed-use airports like Heathrow.
Why East Midlands growth matters for UK freight forwarders
Cargo Solutions Network tracks infrastructure developments that affect routing options and capacity costs. East Midlands’ expansion gives forwarders an alternative to fee-heavy passenger gateways with better operational predictability.
For SME freight forwarders, access to diverse cargo airports means more competitive rates and better service levels. East Midlands’ Freeport status and central location make it practical for consolidation and distribution across the UK. The airport’s commitment to cargo-first operations delivers the reliability that passenger hubs cannot always guarantee.
As UK airfreight capacity becomes more decentralised, forwarders who understand regional gateway options will win more business. East Midlands is building the infrastructure to compete with European cargo hubs, and the carrier additions prove the demand is real.
