East Midlands Airport (EMA) has revealed an ambitious long-term development strategy aimed at cementing its role as the UK’s leading express airfreight hub. The bold new vision, announced at the UK Real Estate Investment & Infrastructure Forum (UKREiiF) in Leeds, outlines proposals to develop four key airport sites to meet a forecast 54 percent surge in cargo demand by 2043.
The plans could support up to 21,300 new jobs and inject £3.9 billion into the UK economy, according to expert analysis. The airport, already the country’s top performer for express freight, is positioning itself to capture a significant share of the growing demand for fast, reliable cargo transport. A recent study commissioned by EMA from consultants York Aviation and MDS Transmodal predicts cargo volumes will grow from 370,000 tonnes in 2023 to 583,000 tonnes in 2043.
Unveiled before an audience of 16,000 property, investment, and policy leaders at UKREiiF, the airport’s development blueprint targets over 50 hectares of land across four prime plots on the airfield. Three of these sites would benefit from direct runway access, made possible by new taxiways and apron space for up to 18 additional aircraft.
The proposal includes:
• 122,000 sq m of new warehouse facilities
• 51,000 sq m of landside yard space
• 1,000 parking spaces
Two of the plots also fall within designated Freeport tax sites, part of the East Midlands Freeport, for which EMA serves as the port. This status provides businesses with tax incentives and streamlined customs processes—key advantages for logistics and trade operators.
The airport’s strategic location and infrastructure give it a unique edge. With 85 percent of the UK population reachable within a four-hour truck drive, and proximity to 81 percent of large-scale warehousing, EMA is ideally placed for growth. Unlike many UK airports, it operates 24/7 with fewer restrictions on night flights and no competition from passenger slots, allowing it to prioritise dedicated cargo operations.
Steve Griffiths, managing director of East Midlands Airport, highlighted the scale of the opportunity:
“EMA is already a vital backbone for the UK’s express freight network, supporting high-value industries and advanced manufacturing. With this new vision, we aim to enhance our infrastructure to meet soaring demand and drive regional and national growth.
We’re keeping an open mind on how the four sites can be developed and welcome investment ideas that can unlock their potential. Our ambition is to build a future-ready cargo hub that creates thousands of jobs and strengthens the UK’s position in global trade.”
The proposed development forms part of a wider national strategy to address unmet UK cargo capacity and support economic resilience. With no need for passenger aircraft to carry freight, EMA’s purpose-built cargo operations promise faster, more efficient logistics connections to global markets.
The airport’s growth strategy is expected to support 12,600 new jobs and £1.8 billion in additional gross value added (GVA) by 2030, rising to 21,300 jobs and £3.9 billion by 2043.
The Mayor East Midlands Claire Ward said: “East Midlands Airport connects our region to the world, and we need to get the most out of those connections to grow the economy in a way that lands here – boosting our businesses and bringing people together.
“EMA’s cargo expansion is consistent with this objective and is a game-changer not just for us, but for the UK. With up to £1.8 billion in additional GVA and 12,600 new jobs by 2030—and even greater gains by 2043 – this is a nationally significant opportunity to meet the growing demand for air freight services, strengthen our role in global trade, and create thousands of high-quality jobs for local people.”
