East Midlands Airport (EMA) has reported a sharp rise in freight volumes, handling more than 103,000 tonnes between May and July—an increase of 17.4% compared with the same period in 2024.
According to the airport, volumes rose 9.7% in May, 24% in June, and 19% in July, outpacing national trends where overall belly-hold cargo has remained flat. The growth has been driven largely by the arrival of four new carriers launching UK–China services, attracted by EMA’s 24/7 operations, competitive landing fees, and central location.
China’s Central Airlines began twice-weekly flights in May on behalf of YunExpress and plans to expand to five services a week in the coming months. Atlas Air, Ethiopian Cargo, and Saudia Cargo have also added services at the gateway, reinforcing EMA’s role as the UK’s leading express freight hub.
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British carrier One Air, which relocated its China-UK freighter operations from Heathrow to EMA last year, cited the airport’s efficiency and faster onward distribution links. From next month, One Air will introduce scheduled services with four weekly flights connecting Europe, the Middle East, and Asia-Pacific via Liège, Dubai, and Hong Kong. The airline also intends to add Boeing 777s alongside its fleet of 747s.
EMA already hosts the UK hubs of DHL, UPS, and FedEx and processed 375,000 tonnes of cargo worth £37 billion in 2024/25. Unlike Heathrow and other passenger-focused airports, EMA specialises in dedicated freighter operations, offering operators guaranteed slots.
To support rising demand, EMA has expanded its infrastructure, increasing the number of widebody-capable stands from seven to 12. Parent company Manchester Airports Group (MAG) has also unveiled a long-term cargo vision that includes 122,000m² of new warehouse space, additional taxiways, and capacity for up to 18 more aircraft. The plans, which anticipate a 54% rise in express cargo volumes over the next two decades, could generate more than 20,000 jobs and deliver almost £4 billion in economic value.
The expansion aligns with a wider partnership between MAG and global logistics developer Prologis, announced by Chancellor Rachel Reeves in July. The collaboration will unlock £1 billion of investment in a new logistics and advanced manufacturing park as part of the East Midlands Freeport, for which EMA is the principal port.
“East Midlands Airport has long played a vital role in keeping UK trade moving,” said Steve Griffiths, Managing Director, East Midlands Airport. “Our success in attracting new airlines underlines the appeal of our unrivalled cargo operation and strategic location at the heart of the country. These gains demonstrate the importance of aviation to the Government’s Industrial and Trade Strategies, and the contribution the sector makes to jobs and economic growth.”
David Craig, Head of Aviation at EMA, added: “We are backing our growth by expanding infrastructure and setting out ambitious long-term plans. Right now, the only way is up for East Midlands cargo.”
