The Evolution Of East Midlands Airport: A Historical Overview

East Midlands Airport (EMA) is an international airport in the East Midlands of England. The airport was originally built as an RAF base called RAF Castle Donington and used during World War II. It was decommissioned in 1946 and purchased by local government authorities, who reopened it as a civilian airport in 1965. The airport has been constantly improved and expanded over the years, and it now serves as a hub for low-fare airlines and tour operators, offering both domestic and European short-haul destinations.

East Midlands Airport's military history

East Midlands Airport, located in North West Leicestershire, has a long and fascinating military history dating back to the Second World War. Here is an overview of the airport's military history:

The Second World War and RAF Castle Donington

During the Second World War, the airfield that would later become East Midlands Airport was known as RAF Castle Donington. It was established in 1943 as a Royal Air Force station and played a crucial role in the war effort. The airfield was equipped with three concrete runways and two hangars, serving as a satellite airfield to RAF Wymeswold. The 28 Operational Training Unit used the airfield to train RAF Bomber Command crews on the Vickers Wellington, while the 108 Operational Training Unit (later renamed the 1382 Transport Conversion Unit) trained RAF Transport Command crews on the Douglas Dakota.

Post-War Years and Decommissioning

After the war, in 1946, RAF Castle Donington was decommissioned and purchased by the Local Government Authorities. For several years, the site lay dormant until 1964, when plans were put in place to redevelop the airbase into a civilian airport.

Transformation into a Civilian Airport

In 1964, a major construction programme began to build a new runway and transform the former RAF base into a civilian airport. The airfield was renamed East Midlands Airport to reflect the area it served, and it officially opened to the public in April 1965. The airport has since grown and expanded over the years, becoming a hub for low-fare airlines and serving a range of domestic and European short-haul destinations.

In summary, East Midlands Airport's military history spans from its establishment as a Royal Air Force station during the Second World War to its post-war decommissioning and eventual transformation into a civilian airport. The airport has evolved over the years, adapting to the changing needs of aviation and the region it serves.

The airport's ownership

East Midlands Airport, located in North West Leicestershire, has a rich history that dates back to its military origins during the Second World War. Originally established as an RAF base called RAF Castle Donington, the airport has undergone several transformations and ownership changes over the years.

The Military Origins of East Midlands Airport:

The site of the current airport was once an RAF base known as RAF Castle Donington, which played a role during the Second World War. In 1946, the airbase was decommissioned and purchased by local government authorities. However, it wasn't until 1964 that plans were initiated to build a new runway and convert the airbase into a civilian airport.

Local Government Ownership:

The local government authorities who acquired the former RAF base retained ownership of the airport until 1993. During this period, the airport underwent significant development, officially opening to the public in 1965 as East Midlands Airport. The airport became a hub for airlines such as Derby Airways, which later became British Midland. Over the years, the runway was extended, cargo operations expanded, and passenger numbers grew steadily.

Privatisation and National Express Group:

In 1993, despite the increasing cargo and passenger traffic, the local authorities struggled to secure funds for further expansion. As a result, the airport was privatised and sold to the National Express Group for £24.3 million. This marked a shift towards private ownership and investment in the airport's infrastructure.

Manchester Airports Group:

In 2000, National Express Group shifted its focus exclusively to bus and train operations, leading to the sale of the airport. In March 2001, East Midlands Airport was acquired by the Manchester Airports Group (MAG), the largest British-owned airport operator. This change in ownership brought the airport under the control of the ten metropolitan borough councils of Greater Manchester, with Manchester City Council retaining a controlling stake.

Under the Manchester Airports Group, East Midlands Airport continued to develop and expand its operations. The airport attracted major airlines such as Ryanair and witnessed significant growth in cargo operations, becoming the second-busiest UK airport for freight traffic in 2016.

In summary, the ownership of East Midlands Airport has evolved over time, reflecting the changing needs and demands of the aviation industry. The airport's history encompasses both public and private ownership, with a consistent focus on expansion and improvement to establish itself as a significant aviation hub in the United Kingdom.

Airlines that operate from the airport

East Midlands Airport, located in Castle Donington, North West Leicestershire, England, has been serving the region since 1965. The airport was previously a Royal Air Force station known as RAF Castle Donington, which opened in 1943 during the Second World War.

East Midlands Airport has established itself as a hub for low-fare airlines and tour operators, serving a range of domestic and European short-haul destinations. Here are some of the airlines that operate from the airport:

• Jet2.com: Jet2.com is a low-fare airline that offers flights to various destinations, including Málaga and Faro. They have expanded their operations at the airport, adding new routes and increasing the frequency of existing ones.
• Ryanair: Ryanair is another low-fare airline that has a significant presence at the airport. It is the largest airline at East Midlands Airport, accounting for about 50% of passenger traffic. They have also expanded their operations with new routes and frequency increases.
• TUI Airways: TUI Airways is a tour operator that serves a range of destinations. In 2024, they announced plans to increase their services to 31 flights to Spain, 25 to Greece, and 10 to Turkey, among other destinations.
• Eastern Airways: This airline launched a new service between East Midlands and Newquay, offering daily flights to the popular surfing destination in Cornwall.
• Air France: Air France announced daily services between East Midlands Airport and Paris Orly starting from April 2023, providing easy access to the French capital.
• Aer Lingus: Aer Lingus, operated by Emerald Airlines, launched direct flights between East Midlands and Belfast City, with plans to increase flights to twice daily from mid-April.
• Flybe: Flybe was a regional airline that ceased operations in 2020. They previously operated flights to and from East Midlands Airport.
• EasyJet: EasyJet previously operated from the airport until 2010 but no longer has a presence there.
• Bmibaby: Bmibaby launched at East Midlands Airport in 2002 but ceased all operations in 2012 due to heavy losses and the failure to find a suitable buyer.

The airport's destinations

East Midlands Airport, located in Castle Donington, North West Leicestershire, England, has established itself as a hub for low-fare airlines serving a range of domestic and European short-haul destinations.

The airport offers flights to over 60 destinations across 22 countries. Here is a breakdown of some of the popular destinations and the airlines serving them:

• Spain: Destinations include Palma de Mallorca, Alicante, Málaga, Tenerife, Fuerteventura, Lanzarote, and Gran Canaria. Airlines such as Ryanair, Jet2, and TUI Airways operate flights to these destinations.
• Greece: Popular destinations include Rhodes, Corfu, Heraklion, Kefalonia, and Kos. These destinations are served by airlines like Jet2 and Ryanair.
• Turkey: Antalya, Dalaman, and Izmir are some of the Turkish destinations offered by Jet2 and TUI Airways.
• Portugal: Faro, Funchal (Madeira), and Porto are among the Portuguese destinations served by Jet2 and Ryanair.
• Italy: Milan, Naples, Rome, Venice, and Verona are some of the Italian cities accessible via Jet2 and Ryanair.
• France: Paris, Bergerac, and Carcassonne are among the French destinations offered by Ryanair.
• Ireland: Dublin and Knock are served by Ryanair.
• Central and Eastern Europe: Destinations include Prague (Czech Republic), Vienna (Austria), Berlin (Germany), and Riga (Latvia). These destinations are served by a variety of airlines, including Jet2, Ryanair, and Eastern Airways.
• Longer-haul destinations: East Midlands Airport also offers flights to Boa Vista (Cape Verde), Sal (Cape Verde), and Sharm el-Sheikh (Egypt) via TUI Airways.

The airport serves as a major hub for freight operations and is conveniently located near major population centres in the Midlands, with easy access to the motorway network.

The airport's facilities

East Midlands Airport, located in Castle Donington, North West Leicestershire, England, has been serving the region since 1965. The airport was previously a Royal Air Force station known as RAF Castle Donington, which opened in 1943 during World War II.

East Midlands Airport offers a range of facilities and services to cater to the needs of its passengers. Here is an overview of what the airport has to offer:

Transportation

The airport provides various transportation options for passengers and visitors. These include:

• Direct train connections to major cities, operating seven days a week.
• Car parking options, such as meet and greet, jet parks, long stay, mid-stay, and short stay.
• Bus services, including fast and frequent buses to and from Nottingham, Leicester, Derby, and beyond.
• Taxi services, including private hire vehicles and black cabs, are available at the airport.
• A car hire service is also available for passengers who prefer to drive themselves.

Airport Amenities

The airport has a variety of amenities to enhance the travel experience:

• Airport lounges are available for passengers seeking a comfortable and relaxing waiting area.
• A range of shopping options, including World Duty-Free, where passengers can browse and shop from leading brands, travel exclusives, and enjoy convenient reserve and collect services.
• Dining options, including restaurants and eateries, cater to different tastes and preferences.
• Currency exchange services are provided for passengers' convenience.
• Assistance services are available for passengers with special needs or requiring additional support.
• Free Wi-Fi is accessible throughout the airport, keeping passengers connected during their time at the airport.
• A quiet space for contemplation and prayer is provided for those who wish to have a moment of peace or spiritual reflection.
• Smoking areas are designated for those who wish to smoke while at the airport.

Aviation Museum

The East Midlands Aeropark, located at the airport, offers an aviation museum with a large collection of static aircraft on public display. The museum provides great views of the runway and is managed by the Aeropark Volunteers Association (AVA). It also has viewing mounds for plane spotting.

Cargo and Freight Operations

East Midlands Airport is a significant hub for freight and cargo operations, serving as a base for companies like DHL Aviation, UPS, and TNT. The airport's central location within the UK makes it ideal for cargo transportation across Europe.

Frequently asked questions