East Midlands Airport announces 17.4% increase in cargo volumes

According to the airport, volumes rose 9.7% in May, 24% in June, and 19% in July, figures which bely general belly-hold cargo trends which have remained flat. The growth can be largely attributable to four new carriers launching UK–China services, attracted by EMA’s 24/7 operations, competitive landing fees, and central location. 

China’s Central Airlines began twice-weekly flights in May on behalf of YunExpress and plans to expand to five services a week in the coming months. Atlas Air, Ethiopian Cargo, and Saudia Cargo have also added services at the gateway, reinforcing EMA’s role as the UK’s leading express freight hub.  

British carrier One Air, which relocated its China-UK freighter operations from Heathrow to EMA last year, cited the airport’s efficiency and faster onward distribution links. One Air is introducing scheduled services from September, with four weekly flights connecting Europe, the Middle East, and Asia-Pacific via Liège, Dubai, and Hong Kong.  

The airline also intends to add Boeing 777s alongside its fleet of 747s. EMA already hosts the UK hubs of DHL, UPS and FedEx and processed 375,000 tonnes of cargo worth £37 billion in 2024/25.  

To support rising demand, EMA has expanded its infrastructure, increasing the number of widebody-capable stands from seven to 12. Parent company Manchester Airports Group (MAG) has also unveiled a long-term cargo vision that includes 122,000m² of new warehouse space, additional taxiways, and capacity for up to 18 more aircraft.  

The plans, which anticipate a 54% rise in express cargo volumes over the next two decades, could generate more than 20,000 jobs and deliver almost £4 billion in economic value.