East Midlands Airport (EMA) generated a £6.2bn contribution to the UK economy last year, underlining its role as one of the country’s most important aviation and logistics assets.
Managing director Steve Griffiths said the scale of EMA’s impact reflects its position as a catalyst for regional jobs, industry growth and international connectivity — from supporting four million passengers’ holidays each year to powering the UK’s largest pure freight operation.
The airport’s economic contribution has grown by £2bn in just 12 months, driven primarily by a sharp rise in cargo activity. Freight related productivity accounts for around half of EMA’s total economic impact, alongside passenger operations and wider supply chain expenditure.
Major operators including DHL, UPS and FedEx, together with new cargo entrants, were responsible for roughly half of the airport’s total economic value. EMA handled more than 400,000 tonnes of cargo last year — a 12.5% increase and the airport’s highest volume since the pandemic, representing one third of all UK air cargo growth.
This surge was supported by seven new airlines launching operations at EMA, including Etihad Cargo and SF Express, China’s largest cargo carrier — both choosing EMA as their sole UK gateway.
The airport’s importance for high value, time critical and supply chain essential goods is reflected in the value of its freight: an average tonne handled at EMA is worth 34 times more than cargo processed at other UK ports. Export goods routed through EMA reached £13bn last year.
EMA plays a central role in supporting advanced manufacturing, a key sector for the Midlands and a priority in the UK’s industrial strategy. Manufacturers rely on the airport to import specialist components and export high value products worldwide — enabling businesses to compete globally and supporting high quality jobs.
Across the UK, EMA now supports 52,000 jobs, including 7,500 roles on site, with its cargo operation forming a major part of this employment footprint.
