East Midlands Airport Terminal
A Brief History
Originally an RAF base known as Castle Donington, the site was decommissioned in 1946 and purchased by a consortium of local authorities in 1964. The airport officially opened for civilian use in July 1965, inaugurated by the Duke of Edinburgh. Over the decades, EMA has seen significant expansions, including runway extensions, terminal upgrades, and the addition of a major freight complex. Notably, it became the first regional airport in the UK to enter the private sector in 1993 and has since evolved into the country’s second-largest pure cargo airport.
Terminal Description and Layout
East Midlands Airport features a single, modern passenger terminal designed for efficiency and comfort. The terminal is spread across two main levels: the ground floor is dedicated to arrivals and check-in, while the upper level houses departures, security, and boarding gates. The terminal’s compact layout makes navigation straightforward, with clear signage and step-free access throughout, ensuring a smooth experience for all travelers.
Recent investments have brought significant upgrades. The security hall has been expanded and fitted with state-of-the-art 3D scanning equipment, allowing passengers to keep electronics and 100ml liquids in their hand luggage, making security checks faster and more convenient. New seating, modernized toilets (including Changing Places facilities for those with disabilities), and improved baby changing areas have been added. The departure lounge now features new shops, a larger JD Sports, and a completely refurbished Castle Rock Bar and Kitchen, alongside additional customer seating and new baggage trolleys.
Security lines at EMA are usually short, but during peak times, using the Security Fast Track service can save you even more time.
The terminal also includes a dedicated Meet & Greet office, a redesigned Rapid Drop-Off area for smoother traffic flow, and anti-backtrack doors in arrivals for enhanced security. All areas are accessible, with step-free routes and upgraded facilities for passengers with reduced mobility.
Services
-Prayer Room: Open 24 hours, the Prayer Room provides a quiet space for prayer and meditation, accessible to all passengers.
-Free Wi-Fi: EMA offers up to four hours of free Wi-Fi access throughout the terminal. Simply connect to the “EMA Public Wifi” network to get online6. For faster speeds, premium Wi-Fi is available for a fee.
-Shopping Services: Passengers can use Click and Collect and “shop now, collect on return” options at duty free and retail outlets, making shopping more convenient.
-Special Assistance: Step-free access is available throughout the terminal. Passengers needing assistance should pre-book through their airline or travel agent at least 48 hours before travel.
-Lost and Found: For lost items, call +44 0808 164 0792.
-Smoking Areas: Designated smoking areas are available in the landside (pre-security) area of the terminal.
-Luggage Storage: There is no luggage storage service at EMA.
-Other Services:
- Restaurants and cafés for a variety of dining options
- Shops and duty free outlets
- Security Fast Track and Passport Fast Track services
- Aeropark aviation museum nearby
- Car rental desks
- Easy access to public transport, parking, taxi, and shuttle services
- ATMs, cash machines, banking, and currency exchange facilities
Use the Click and Collect service for duty free to save time and avoid carrying extra bags on your trip.
With these modern facilities and a focus on passenger comfort, East Midlands Airport ensures a smooth and enjoyable travel experience for all.
EMA’s manageable size means security lines are usually short, but always allow extra time during busy holiday periods.
Shops and Restaurants
The terminal features a variety of shops, including duty-free outlets, convenience stores, and gift shops. You’ll find popular brands and local specialties, making it easy to pick up last-minute essentials or souvenirs.
Duty-free shopping is available after security, so keep your boarding pass handy for purchases.
Dining options cater to all tastes, from quick bites at Greggs and Starbucks to sit-down meals at Frankie & Benny’s, Castle Rock, and Burger King. There’s also Proof 65 for coffee and light dishes, and Pork and Pickle for locally sourced snacks.
Most eateries are open from the first to the last flight, but options before security are limited, so plan accordingly if you arrive early.
Popular Flights and Airlines
East Midlands Airport’s most popular routes include short-haul holiday destinations and key European cities. Top destinations are Palma de Mallorca, Alicante, Faro, Tenerife, Malaga, Dublin, Belfast, and Amsterdam. Flight durations range from about 1 hour (to Belfast or Dublin) to 4.5 hours (to the Canary Islands).
Major airlines operating at EMA include Ryanair, Jet2, TUI Airways, and easyJet, offering both scheduled and charter flights to popular leisure and business destinations across Europe and beyond.
For the best fares, book flights well in advance, especially for summer and school holiday periods.
Lounges
For those seeking extra comfort, the newly refurbished Escape Lounge offers a tranquil space with complimentary food, drinks (including alcoholic beverages), free Wi-Fi, newspapers, and magazines. The lounge is split into themed zones inspired by local landmarks and culture, providing both relaxation and workspace. See the airport lounges in East Midlands Airport Terminal:
Escape Lounge: Open from the 1rst of April until the 31st of October.
Service hours: Weekdays from 04:00 am to 07:00 pm, Saturdays from 04:00 am to 06:00 pm and Sundays from 04:00 am to 07:00 pm.
Pre-book price is £25 per person.
Location: Gate 16, opposite Gate 17, after security. Infants from 0-23 months are free of charge.
Services: Drinks, Snacks, menu, Free Wi-Fi, charging points, newspapers, magazines.
Purchase your pass to East Midlands Airport lounge