East Midlands Airport Plans Cargo Hub Expansion Creating 20,000 Jobs

East Midlands Airport (EMA) has announced major development plans to expand its cargo operations by making 123.5 acres of land around its runway available for new warehousing, car parking, and aircraft parking. The proposals include four sites, three of which would have direct runway access via new taxiways, and outline up to 122,000 square meters of warehouse space, 51,000 square meters of landside yard space, and 1,000 parking spaces. This expansion aims to meet a predicted 54% growth in cargo demand by 2043, potentially increasing freight volumes to 583,000 tonnes and boosting the regional economy by £3.9 billion while creating more than 20,000 jobs. Two of the sites are part of the East Midlands Freeport, offering tax incentives and simplified customs processes to attract businesses. EMA's managing director, Steve Griffiths, emphasized the airport's pivotal role in UK trade and encouraged developers to submit proposals, highlighting the airport's status as a critical hub for express freight supporting advanced manufacturing and high-value industries. The plans were unveiled at the UKREiiF investment forum, with analysis by York Aviation/MDS Transmodal supporting the significant growth potential of the airport's cargo business.