Bosses at East Midlands Airport (EMA) has teased a series of “significant” improvements it is to implement in 2025. The Leicestershire facility turns 60 this year and is in the process of undergoing a major £120 million improvements programme.
The first phase of that scheme took place last year, with bosses at the Castle Donington facility saying further work will take place throughout the airport’s diamond anniversary year. So far, EMA said a new bar, toilets and baby changing facilities have been added, along with a larger JD Sports shop and new seats in the departure lounge.
The airport has also brought in new baggage trolleys, an ‘airside’ multi-faith room as well as upgraded Air Traffic Control and airfield equipment. The five-year investment programme has seen runways resurfaced and energy efficient LED lights installed. The security hall has been expanded to make space for improved scanning equipment.
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Changes to security have already been implemented
(Image: EMA)
Work on the security hall is continuing and is expected to be complete by the summer. The new equipment allows customers to leave electrical items and their 100ml liquids inside their cabin baggage.
Two more sets of toilets in the departure lounge will be upgraded to the same’ standards as others in the airport, including the addition of dedicated baby changing and feeding facilities. The ‘rapid drop-off area’ is also being redesigned to improve the layout to aid traffic flow and provide wider pavements and clearer crossing areas for pedestrians, EMA said.
New customer information kiosks have been installed in the departure lounge and a dedicated lost property ‘hub’ is to be created in time for next summer. New electric vehicle charging points have been installed at locations across the site. EMA has also recently introduced the UK’s first fully-electric ‘ambulift’ vehicle to transport passengers with mobility difficulties on and off their aircraft.
EMA’s managing director Steve Griffiths said: “We’re looking forward to marking 60 years of airport operations in 2025, and it’s fantastic that so much is underway that will bring significant improvements for our customers in our diamond anniversary year. Building on some great improvements that came into effect last year, our investments this year will make big changes to help us meet the expectations of today’s travellers and continue to give them the top quality service and effortless experience they deserve.”
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