East Midlands Airport has announced a 6.3% growth in freight volumes in September further cementing its status as a major hub for express air cargo within the UK. The increase precedes the industry’s busiest period when shipments typically increase in the run up to Black Friday and Christmas.
The latest figures from the airport show a further 36,000 tons of goods have been handled, with total freight processed so far this year totaling 210,807 tons. This is an increase of nearly 10,000 tons, or 5% compared to the same period last year.
The results are an encouraging sign of activity ahead in the coming weeks as international retailers and businesses shift goods through global supply chains to meet seasonal demand. The traditional peak cargo season runs until December.
A worldwide network for UK distribution
Major logistics providers DHL, UPS and FedEx support cargo operations at East Midlands Airport. They are supported by dedicated freighter aircraft operating between the airport and a global network of 185 major cities.
The airport’s central location within the UK, plus its combination with it, offers express logistics a key advantage, including the possibility of next-day deliveries across the country.
The latest increase also follows a good last year when the airport handled more than 400,000 tons of cargo for the first time since the pandemic. Higher volumes accounted for over a third of the total increase in cargo in the UK.
The airport’s cargo activities generated an economic contribution of £6.2 billion in 2025 supporting 52,000 jobs across the UK alongside freight throughput. Of those jobs, 42% were in the Midlands, underlining the operation’s importance to the regional and national economy.
Airport emphasizes complementary passenger and freight operations
Adam Andrews, Commercial Director at East Midlands Airport, said: “The latest year on year increase shows that the airport is meeting the UK’s air cargo needs, especially following a record breaking year for its freight business.
He also pointed out the fact that passenger and cargo operations are complementary and not competing for the airport’s capacity as a reason to continue developing it.
“Building on a record year for our cargo operation with year-on-year growth demonstrates how well placed we are to serve the UK’s air cargo needs.
“We operate our twin passenger and freight operations side by side, not in conflict with each other, and that puts us in a unique position to continue to grow our cargo capabilities.” “It’s good to see these numbers increasing ahead of what is traditionally our busiest time,” Andrews said.
Looking ahead to the seasonal peak, September figures provide a positive indicator of demand at one of the UK’s prime express freight gateways. In the coming weeks we will see how much volumes can increase as businesses and consumers get ready for the year-end shopping season.
