air-cargo

East Midlands Airport Cargo Traffic Surges 14% as Carrier Expansion Planned

East Midlands Airport handled 37,458 tonnes of cargo in June, marking a 14% increase year on year as the UK freight hub prepares to announce additional cargo aircraft operations.

The airport processed roughly 4,500 more tonnes than June of the previous year, bolstering its position as a primary freight gateway. Management signaled that further carrier announcements would follow later in July as expansion accelerates.

Steve Griffiths, managing director, attributed growth to the airport's strengthening reputation among international operators seeking UK entry points.

Capital investments support the trajectory. In May 2025, the airport unveiled cargo development plans targeting a 54% volume increase over the next 20 years, reserving 50 hectares across four runway-adjacent parcels. July 2025 brought reconfiguration of cargo aprons, expanding wide-bodied aircraft stands from seven to 12 among 27 total positions.

Larger aircraft operations contributed to gains despite reduced freighter movements in the preceding year.