East Midlands Airport eyes major hub status with expanded flights
Derby airport aims to link with European hubs, broaden leisure and business routes, and boost cargo activity amid wider UK expansion
East Midlands Airport in Derby is pursuing a major growth push to become a UK aviation hub, with talks under way to increase flight volumes. The airport currently handles about 200 departures a day to around 70 destinations, with carriers including Ryanair, TUI and Jet2. Airport officials say discussions are already active with airlines to broaden the airport's reach and improve its schedule.
The new commercial director, Adam Andrews, outlined plans to link East Midlands with a European hub and to broaden the mix of leisure destinations while adding more business routes and ensuring year-round connectivity. The airport intends to take a data‑driven approach to route expansion and to build relationships with regional decision makers and businesses to understand what customers want. Andrews, who has worked in the sector with British Airways and most recently as head of strategic insights for Manchester Airports Group, said the airport would aim to maximize its potential.
Alongside passenger growth, the plan also targets expanded cargo operations and stronger use of the Freeport opportunity. Andrews said the airport intends to bolster its status as the UK's express air freight hub, a strategic priority given the area's trade links and regional distribution needs.
Industry observers note that East Midlands' push comes as other UK hubs widen capacity. Gatwick Airport has also moved forward with a privately financed second runway, after approval by Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander. The project would move the emergency runway 13 yards north to allow more departures of narrow-bodied planes such as the Airbus A320 and Boeing 737, enabling about 100,000 more flights a year. Gatwick handled around 265,000 flights in 2024.
Taken together, the developments reflect a broader effort to improve regional connectivity and economic resilience. For local residents, the potential for more year-round flight options could change travel patterns, while businesses may benefit from expanded cargo routes and easier access to European markets.