Midlands airport shortlisted as 'Airport of the Year' in national awards

East Midlands Airport has been shortlisted as Airport of the Year in the National Transport Awards.

The awards are supported by the Department of Transport, and highlight and celebrate the unwavering commitment, expertise, and innovation of those working tirelessly to improve the UK’s transport network.

Winners will be announced in October at a ceremony where Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander will be the keynote speaker.

East Midlands Airport has been shortlisted based on a successful year. Passenger numbers were held at around 4 million, with encouraging year-on-year increases heading into summer 2026.

The express air cargo operation remained the busiest in the UK, with cargo growth representing a third of all air cargo growth in the UK

Extensive improvements were carried out throughout the terminal and on the airfield as part of an ongoing £120 million investment programme to enhance the customer experience.

Customer satisfaction increased across all metrics, with 97 percent of customers rating the airport good to excellent.

East Midlands was also ranked among the least delayed airports in the UK, with 90.4 percent of flights departing on time during the busiest early wave.

The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) gave the airport the highest accessibility ranking for the sixth year running, as investment continues in Assisted Travel improvements.

East Midlands Airport’s Managing Director Steve Griffiths said: “I’m delighted we’re finalists in the National Transport Awards Airport of the Year category – it’s a great way to celebrate all that we achieved in our 60th anniversary year.

“We hit the halfway mark of our investment programme which has seen huge improvements for our customers throughout the terminal – and on all measures we have increased customer satisfaction. Meanwhile our cargo operation went from strength to strength, attracting new airlines and topping 400,000 tonnes for the first time since the pandemic.

“It’s all been achieved by our fantastic team who are dedicated to providing effortless travel for our customers and driving seamless trade for the UK.”