The East Midlands Airport has been voted one of the world’s most eco-friendly airports and has received the prestigious “Best Regional Airport” British Travel Award in 2010 and both Best Regional UK Airport and UK Airport of the Year 2011.

Originally an RAF base, which was decommissioned after the Second World War in 1946.  It was only when a business consortium bought the land that it was opened for business as a commercial airport in 1965. They have also worked hard developing their cargo side of the business and are now the second most popular freight destination in the UK, after Heathrow. The Royal Mail, DHL and UPS are all big investors in the facilities at the airport.

The top destinations from the East Midlands Airport are the Mediterranean, sunshine resorts of Malaga, Mallorca, Alicante as well as Dublin and Tenerife off the North African coastline. They are the 12th busiest UK airport and at their peak in 2008 saw 5.6 million travellers come through their doors.

One of the main visitor attractions at the airport is the Aeropark Museum where you can get up close to a number of static displays and also get great access to viewing platforms so that enthusiasts are able to watch planes landing and taking off.

Location

The East Midlands Airport is located at Castle Donnington with the cities of Derby, Leicester and Nottingham all within easy reach. It sits close to the junctions of the M1 and M42/A42 motorways. The new Parkway railway station also services the airport but the regular shuttle service connecting to the main terminal has ceased and travellers must book a taxi. A number of coach services operate from the main railway stations in the urban centres of Derby, Leicester and Nottingham, all linking with the airport.

Airport Car Parking

The East Midlands Airport has both short and long stay car parking, there are also a number of shuttle car parking options near the airport offering drop offs at the main terminal. The airport has a VIP “Meet and greet service”, simply park up in the short stay car park and their professional staff will take care of your car.

Airport Facilities

  • There are a great selection of high street shopping chains and specialist luxury goods and boutique stores.
  • Bars, lounges and cafés, including business, first class VIP lounges with writing desks, Internet access and complimentary drinks.
  • Free WiFi connection is available throughout the airport.

Accommodation Near to East Midland Airport

The newly opened Radisson Blu Hotel at East Midlands Airport provides an excellent location, just minutes from the main terminal with fantastic service for guests. They have 216 well-designed, comfortable rooms, with Internet connection and first class facilities. There is a health club, with sauna and steam room, while the Runway Brassiere serves up a varied international menu for hungry visitors.

In addition, Radisson Blu Hotel East Midlands Airport is setting environmental standards for new hotel builds across Europe. Boasting an Energy Performance Certification rating of 2, the hotel is the most efficient in Rezidor’s European portfolio of over 400 hotels. Designed to the highest green credentials, it carbon neutral build supports East Midlands Airport’s aspiration for its ground operations to be carbon neutral by 2012.

Flights from East Midlands

The centrally located East Midlands Airport serves most major locations around Europe and the North African countries of Morocco, Tunisia and Egypt. They also operate flights to the eastern seaboard of the United States, landing at New York and Orlando, along with several Caribbean destinations.

Within the UK, East Midlands connects to Aberdeen, Edinburgh, Belfast, Newquay and the Channel Islands.