East Midlands Airport Reclaims 400,000-Tonne Milestone with Record Growth

Why It Matters

The milestone signals a robust rebound for UK air cargo, reinforcing East Midlands as a critical logistics gateway and supporting broader economic expansion through job creation and increased trade capacity.

Key Takeaways

• Handled 413,664 tonnes cargo in FY 2025/26, 12.5% YoY growth
• Seven new cargo airlines joined in second half of 2025
• Freight movements fell 3.1% to ~60,000, despite higher tonnage
• Airport invests in extra stands, larger gatehouses, boosting capacity
• Planned cargo sites could create 21,000 jobs and $5bn economic boost

Pulse Analysis

East Midlands Airport’s 2025/26 cargo performance marks a pivotal rebound for the UK’s express freight sector. After the pandemic surge that briefly pushed volumes to 448,000 tonnes, the airport recorded 413,664 tonnes—its first 400,000‑tonne benchmark in years. The 12.5% growth reflects strong demand from global integrators like DHL, UPS, and FedEx, and the entry of seven new cargo carriers, positioning the airport as the nation’s premier dedicated freight hub.

The airport’s strategic investments are translating into tangible capacity gains. New aircraft stands, expanded gatehouses, and a larger Swissport facility enhance turnaround efficiency, while YunExpress’s dedicated cargo building underscores the airport’s appeal to emerging players. Although total freight movements dipped 3.1% to just over 60,000 flights, the shift toward larger, long‑haul aircraft means more tonnage per departure, offsetting the decline in flight numbers and improving overall productivity.

Beyond operational metrics, the growth carries significant economic weight. Plans to develop four cargo‑focused sites near the runway promise more than 21,000 jobs and an estimated £3.9 billion (about $5 billion) boost to the regional economy. The airport’s central location, 24/7 access, and cargo‑only infrastructure give time‑critical shippers a faster, more reliable alternative to passenger‑based cargo hubs, reinforcing its competitive edge as demand is projected to rise 54% over the next two decades.