East Midlands Airport targets major-hub status with expanded flight network

East Midlands Airport in Derby is pursuing a larger role as a UK aviation hub, with discussions underway to increase flight numbers and broaden the airport’s reach. The airport said talks with airlines are active to expand its network, building on about 200 flights per day to roughly 70 destinations, served by carriers including Ryanair, TUI and Jet2.

Adam Andrews, who was appointed commercial director, described an ambition to connect East Midlands with a major European hub, and to improve business routes and off-peak options. "I'm moving to East Midlands Airport at what is an important time in the airport's development in both our cargo masterplan and maximising the unique Freeport opportunity, while continuing to work to increase our passenger numbers," he said. He added the plan will rely on a data-driven approach to expand and improve routes and to understand what customers want. "We will build relationships with key decision makers and businesses from our region and its three big cities to understand how we can work together to maximise the airport's potential and what they want from their local airport," he continued. "This includes looking to increase the mix of leisure destinations, introducing business routes and enabling year-round connectivity to the world." He also stressed that his background in the industry — with stops at British Airways and most recently as Head of Strategic Insights for Manchester Airports Group — informs a strategy to grow the airport beyond its current schedule. "What I also bring is an acute knowledge of the industry and more specifically, an understanding of what customers want," Andrews said. The new director also aims to bolster East Midlands Airport's profile as the UK’s leading express air freight hub as part of a broader expansion plan.