EMA unveils new facilities as £120m refresh takes shape
Bosses at East Midlands airport say new security facilities installed as part of a £120m improvement scheme have almost doubled capacity at its security gates.
The airport, which handled around 4m passengers in the last year according to owners MAG, upgraded to next generation scanners as part of government mandated security improvements – a scheme which enables an extra 125 passengers to clear departures every hour.
The airport extended its security hall as part of a linked scheme of visual improvements, which was completed in November.
Customer services and planning director Mike Grimes said the look and feel of its security area has been “massively enhanced” through the project.
“That, along with the new scanning equipment, improves the whole experience of going through security, enabling 300 people an hour to come through per lane compared to 175 previously. We’ve had great positive feedback on the changes from customers so far. This is one of the key areas we’ve focused on as part of our investment programme which continues to improve facilities throughout the airport.
“Combined with the expertise and professionalism of our highly trained Aviation Security Officers, these improvements ensure that East Midlands Airport continues to deliver a friendly, safe and efficient screening process for all passengers.”
This week, the airport also announced a £2.5m programme of improvements to retail outlets in departures, with restaurant Terracotta Italian Kitchen set to replace the former Frankie and Benny’s unit and an expanded WH Smith store set to open in Easter 2026.
East Midlands Airport’s Commercial Director Adam Andrews said: “We’re about halfway through our £120m five-year investment programme and have already seen some really significant improvements at the airport.
“Now we have more exciting changes taking place over the winter months in our departure lounge to bring a new shopping, eating and drinking experience at East Midlands Airport from next Easter. We’re delighted to support our commercial partners investing in refreshing the stores and eateries available to our customers and give them an even better effortless experience of flying from their favourite airport.”
