East Midlands Airport

East Midlands Airport general information

Flying from East Midlands Airport? Our guide covers essential passenger information, including check-in, security procedures, shops, restaurants, WiFi, accessibility, family facilities and transport options.

Find everything you need to plan your journey and enjoy a smoother start to your trip.

East Midlands Airport parking

If you're driving to East Midlands Airport, APH offers a choice of parking options to suit different budgets and travel requirements.

Compare parking locations, transfer arrangements and security features before booking.

Family-owned since 1980, APH helps travellers find convenient airport parking options.

Visit our dedicated East Midlands Airport parking page to compare prices and availability.

View airport parking

East Midlands Airport Meet & Greet

Meet & Greet parking allows travellers to hand over their vehicle at a designated location before continuing to the terminal.

Drop-off points, vehicle handover procedures and return arrangements vary by operator.

For more information about available services, visit our dedicated East Midlands Airport Meet & Greet parking page.

View airport meet & greet

All about East Midlands Airport

East Midlands Airport (EMA) is located near Castle Donington in Leicestershire, serving passengers from Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire, Leicestershire and surrounding areas.

Opened in 1965, the airport operates from a single passenger terminal and provides flights to destinations across the UK and Europe, including popular holiday destinations.

The terminal offers a range of passenger facilities, including check-in desks, security screening, shops, restaurants, cafés, free WiFi, accessible services and family facilities.

East Midlands Airport is also an important UK air freight hub, supporting cargo operations alongside passenger flights.

Our guide brings together useful information about the airport's facilities, services and transport connections to help you prepare for your journey.

Getting There

East Midlands Airport is located near Castle Donington in Leicestershire and is accessible by car, bus, coach and taxi.

By car: The airport is close to Junction 23A of the M1 and the A453, with road connections from Nottingham, Derby, Leicester and surrounding areas.

By bus: Skylink services connect East Midlands Airport with nearby towns and cities, including Nottingham, Derby and Leicester. Routes and frequencies vary, so check current timetables before travelling.

By coach: Coach services operate from the airport's dedicated coach station, located close to the arrivals hall.

By train: East Midlands Airport does not have a railway station within the passenger terminal. Travellers can use nearby stations, including East Midlands Parkway, Derby, Nottingham and Long Eaton, before continuing by bus or taxi.

By taxi: Taxis and private hire vehicles provide transport between the airport and surrounding destinations.

Allow additional travel time during busy periods and check current transport arrangements before departure.

Check-in information

Check-in procedures at East Midlands Airport vary by airline, destination, and ticket type. Passengers should follow their airline's recommended arrival time and check whether online check-in is available. If you have hold luggage, you may still need to visit a baggage-drop desk after checking in online. Once checked in, follow signs for security and the departure lounge. Use this list of airlines flying from East Midlands Airport to check if your carrier offers online check-in.

Destinations

East Midlands Airport offers flights to a variety of domestic and international destinations, including popular European holiday locations. Routes and flight frequencies vary by airline and season, with additional services sometimes available during peak holiday periods. Check the full list of routes from East Midlands Airport here - or take a look at the destinations map.

Disabled Passenger Details

East Midlands Airport provides assistance for passengers with reduced mobility, disabilities and additional accessibility requirements.

Passengers requiring assistance should contact their airline or travel provider at least 48 hours before departure, where possible.

Assistance may include support with check-in, security, moving through the terminal and boarding.

The airport also provides accessible toilets, Changing Places facilities, quiet rooms and a sensory pod for passengers who may benefit from a calmer environment.

For more information, visit East Midlands Airport's official Assisted Travel pages before travelling.

Find details of how East Midlands Airport helps passengers with hidden disabilities such as autism here.

Fast-Track security lane

East Midlands Airport offers Security FastTrack, allowing passengers with a valid booking to use a dedicated security lane.

The service is subject to availability and does not remove the requirement to complete standard security checks.

FastTrack operates during designated hours, which may change depending on airport arrangements.

Check the airport's official website for current prices, opening hours and booking availability before travelling. Book your place in the Express Lane here.

Pushchairs and Child Seats

Families travelling with babies or young children should check their airline's rules for pushchairs, car seats and other child equipment. Most airlines have specific arrangements for transporting these items, including whether pushchairs can be used until boarding. Airport staff can provide guidance on where equipment should be checked in or handed over.
 

Family Assisted Lanes

East Midlands Airport provides a designated security lane for passengers requiring assistance and families travelling with pushchairs.

The lane is intended to make the security process easier for passengers who may need additional support.

Families should follow airport staff instructions when entering the security area, as lane availability may depend on operational requirements.

All passengers must complete the required security screening procedures.

Check the airport's latest security guidance before travelling, particularly if you're carrying baby food, milk or other essential items.

Shopping

East Midlands Airport offers a range of shops where passengers can purchase travel essentials, gifts, fashion, beauty products and duty-free items.

Retailers include World Duty Free, JD Sports and WHSmith, which offers books, snacks, health and beauty products, travel accessories and electronic essentials.

Shopping facilities are available within the terminal, with a selection of outlets located after security.

Store locations and opening hours may vary depending on flight schedules.

Check East Midlands Airport's official shopping directory for the latest retailer information before travelling.

Where to Eat

East Midlands Airport offers a selection of cafés, restaurants and bars for passengers looking for food and drink before departure.

Options include Terracotta Italian Kitchen, Alembic, Castle Rock Bar & Kitchen and Pork & Pickle, offering a choice of meals, sandwiches, snacks and refreshments.

Whether you're looking for breakfast before an early flight, a quick coffee or a sit-down meal, there are food and drink options within the terminal.

Opening hours and availability may vary depending on flight schedules.

Check East Midlands Airport's official food and drink directory for the latest information before travelling. Here's a full list of places to eat at East Midlands Airport.

Area for Kids

East Midlands Airport provides a dedicated Little Flyers Play Zone for children travelling through the terminal.

Located opposite Gate 12 in the departure lounge, the play area features an airport-themed role-play plane and interactive games designed to keep younger passengers entertained before their flight.

Families can also access baby changing facilities, nearby seating and refreshments.

The airport's Little Flyers Club offers additional activities and resources for children, including downloadable games and travel entertainment.

Check the airport's official family travel information for the latest facilities and availability.

Wi-Fi access

East Midlands Airport provides free WiFi within the terminal, allowing passengers to stay connected before departure.

Passengers can access up to two hours of free WiFi within a 24-hour period.

To connect, select the _FreeWifi network on your device and follow the on-screen instructions.

The service allows travellers to check flight information, access digital boarding passes and stay in touch while waiting for their flight.

Premium WiFi options are also available for passengers who require faster connection speeds. For more details on charges and how to connect, click here.

Mobile Devices

Passengers can use mobile phones and other electronic devices within the airport, subject to normal security and airline restrictions. Charging facilities may be available in designated terminal areas, although availability can vary. Passengers should check airline rules on the use of electronic devices during boarding and flights.

Baby Changing

East Midlands Airport provides baby changing facilities within the passenger terminal, with changing areas located close to terminal toilet facilities.

Some baby changing facilities also include seating to make feeding more comfortable.

The airport supports breastfeeding throughout the terminal, allowing parents to feed their babies wherever they feel comfortable.

Families should follow terminal signage or ask airport staff for the nearest baby changing facilities.

Luggage Trolleys

Luggage trolleys are available at East Midlands Airport to help passengers transport their bags between designated airport areas and the terminal.

A refundable £1 charge applies when collecting a trolley, with the money returned when the trolley is returned.

Follow airport signage to find the nearest trolley collection point or ask airport staff for assistance.

Check the airport's latest facilities information for any changes to trolley arrangements or charges. You can find all the essential information here.  

Luggage Lockers

Passengers requiring luggage storage should check whether suitable left-luggage facilities are currently available at East Midlands Airport. Storage arrangements can change, and passengers should not assume that luggage lockers are provided within the terminal. Contact the airport directly for the latest information.

Pharmacies

Passengers travelling through East Midlands Airport can purchase selected health and beauty products, toiletries and travel essentials from airport retailers, including WHSmith.

However, passengers requiring prescription medication should arrange this before arriving at the airport, as a full pharmacy dispensing service should not be assumed to be available.

Keep essential medication in your hand luggage and check airport security guidance when travelling with liquid medicines or medical equipment.

Showers

East Midlands Airport does not currently provide public shower facilities within the passenger terminal.

A washroom is available for passengers using the airport's Assisted Travel service, located within the Changing Places facility opposite Gate 12 in the main departure lounge.

Passengers requiring shower facilities should make alternative arrangements before travelling.

Chapel

East Midlands Airport provides a multi-faith prayer room for passengers and visitors seeking a quiet place for prayer or reflection. The facility is intended to welcome people of different faiths and beliefs. Check the airport's current terminal information for the prayer room location and access arrangements.

Viewing Areas

Aviation enthusiasts visiting East Midlands Airport can explore the East Midlands Aeropark, an outdoor aviation museum located near Castle Donington.

The Aeropark displays a collection of historic aircraft, including a Vulcan bomber and Nimrod aircraft, offering visitors an opportunity to learn more about aviation history.

Dedicated viewing mounds overlook the airport runway, providing opportunities to watch aircraft taking off and landing.

The nearby Airport Trail also offers walking routes around the airport perimeter, with views of aircraft movements and the surrounding countryside.

Check the East Midlands Aeropark's official website for current opening times, admission prices and visitor information before travelling.