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East Midlands Airport EMA

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East Midlands Airport (EMA) Guide

Discover East Midlands Airport (EMA), your entry to the UK's Midlands, known for its Robin Hood-inspired Sherwood Forest. EMA not only simplifies your travel with efficient amenities like diverse dining and shopping but also stands out with its unique Robin Hood statue, greeting travelers. This guide streamlines your airport experience, covering flight updates, parking, and more. For broader airport insights, check the Comprehensive Airport Guide on iFly.com. Navigate EMA effortlessly and immerse in its unique charm.

East Midlands Airport, with the airport code EMA, has one terminal building with three floors. The terminal building is divided into two sections: the Departure Hall and the Arrivals Hall. The Departure Hall is located on the ground floor, while the Arrivals Hall is on the first floor. The second floor is used for airport offices and lounges.

The Departure Hall has 44 check-in desks, and the airport recommends that passengers arrive at least two hours before their scheduled departure time. The Departure Hall also has a security area, duty-free shops, restaurants, cafes, and bars. Passengers can access the gates from the Departure Hall, which are located on the first floor.

The Arrivals Hall has baggage reclaim, customs, and immigration facilities. Passengers can access the ground transportation options, including buses, taxis, and car rentals, from the Arrivals Hall.

East Midlands Airport is served by several major airlines, including Ryanair, Jet2, and TUI Airways. Ryanair uses gates 1-10, Jet2 uses gates 11-16, and TUI Airways uses gates 17-24. Other airlines use gates 25-30.

Use our interactive airport map to locate food, services, and airline departure gates.

Connecting Between Terminals

EMA has only one terminal, making it easy for travelers to navigate. All gates, check-in counters, and baggage claim areas are located within the same building, and there is no need for shuttle buses or trains to get between terminals. The terminal is spacious and well-organized, with clear signage and helpful staff to assist travelers with any questions or concerns. Walking times within the terminal are minimal, and there are plenty of seating areas and food options available for passengers waiting for their flights. Overall, navigating EMA Airport is a breeze, thanks to its single-terminal design.

Picking Up and Dropping Off Passengers

EMA Airport provides several options for picking up and dropping off passengers. If you are dropping off passengers, you can use the designated drop-off zone located outside the terminal building. However, please note that there is a time limit of 10 minutes for dropping off passengers and you cannot leave your vehicle unattended. If you need more time, you can use the short-stay car park located adjacent to the terminal building.

If you are picking up passengers, you can use the designated pick-up zone located outside the terminal building. However, please note that there is no waiting allowed and you must remain with your vehicle at all times. Alternatively, you can use the cell-phone waiting area located approximately 5 minutes away from the terminal building. This area allows you to wait in your vehicle until your passengers are ready to be picked up. Please note that curbside parking is strictly prohibited and vehicles parked illegally will be subject to fines and/or towing.

Parking Facilities & Options

If you're traveling through the airport, you'll find a variety of parking options available to suit your needs. The airport offers several on-site parking options, including short-stay, mid-stay, and long-stay parking lots and garages. These lots are conveniently located within walking distance of the terminal, making them a great option for those who want to park as close to the airport as possible.

If you're picking up passengers, you can use the cell phone waiting area located just a short distance from the terminal. This area allows you to wait in your car until your passengers are ready to be picked up, so you don't have to circle the airport or pay for parking.

For those who require handicapped parking, there are designated spaces available in all of the airport's parking lots and garages. These spaces are located close to the terminal and are clearly marked for easy identification.

If you're looking for a more economical parking option, off-airport parking is also available near East Midlands Airport. These lots are located just a short distance from the airport and offer shuttle service to and from the terminal. This can be a great option for those who want to save money on parking without sacrificing convenience.

Get details about East Midlands Airport parking options and rates, along with more economical off-airport parking here.

Transportation Options

EMA offers a variety of ground transportation options for travelers to choose from.

If you prefer to rent a car, there are several major car rental providers available at the airport, including Avis, Europcar, Hertz, and National. You can find their rental desks in the Arrivals Hall of the terminal building.

Taxi services are also available at the airport, with a designated drop-off area located outside the terminal building. The fare for a taxi ride varies depending on your destination and the time of day, so it's best to check with the taxi driver beforehand.

For those looking for a more affordable option, shared ride services such as Uber and Lyft are available at the airport. The pickup area for these services is located outside the terminal building, near the taxi drop-off area. However, please note that some restrictions may apply, such as the number of passengers allowed per ride.

Airport shuttles are another convenient transportation option for travelers. The shuttle service operates between the airport and nearby hotels, with pickup areas located outside the terminal building. Fares vary depending on your destination and the shuttle provider, so it's best to check with the shuttle driver beforehand.

If you prefer to use public transportation, there are several bus services available at the airport. The Skylink bus service operates between the airport and nearby cities such as Derby, Leicester, and Nottingham. The bus stop is located outside the terminal building, and fares vary depending on your destination.

Airport Hotels

Looking for a comfortable and convenient place to stay near the airport? We've got you covered! Our guide features a selection of the best hotels, from luxury accommodations to quaint apartments, all within a short distance from the airport. Whether you're a business traveler or a leisure traveler, you'll find the perfect hotel that caters to your needs. Enjoy amenities like complimentary WiFi, private parking, and easy access to local attractions. Discover hotels like the contemporary Radisson Blu Hotel, the unique self-catering Dbs Serviced Apartments, or the tranquil Delven House. Ready to book now? View all EMA Hotels including rates, on a map.

Dining, Shopping & Enjoying the Airport

The airport offers a wide range of dining and shopping options for travelers. Whether you're looking for a quick bite or a sit-down meal, there's something for everyone.

For a taste of local cuisine, head to The Grainstore Restaurant & Bar, located in the departure lounge. This restaurant offers a variety of dishes made with locally sourced ingredients, including burgers, salads, and sandwiches. If you're in the mood for something sweet, stop by Patisserie Valerie for a delicious pastry or cake.

When it comes to shopping, East Midlands Airport has plenty of options to choose from. For duty-free shopping, head to World Duty Free, where you can find a range of products including cosmetics, fragrances, and alcohol. If you're looking for souvenirs or gifts, WHSmith and Boots offer a variety of items including books, snacks, and travel accessories.

The locations of all food, shops, and services at East Midlands Airport can be found using iFly's interactive map. For a complete list of restaurants, bars, shops, and newsstands, find your choice of amenities here.

Passenger Services

EMA Airport offers a range of services to make your travel experience as comfortable and stress-free as possible.

For those who need to stay connected, free Wi-Fi is available throughout the airport. If you have lost an item, head to the lost and found office located in the arrivals area.

Traveling with children? There are designated play areas for kids to burn off some energy before your flight. Additionally, special-needs services are available for those who require assistance, including accessible restrooms and wheelchair assistance.

If you need to do some banking, there are ATMs located throughout the airport, as well as a currency exchange service. In case of a medical emergency, trained staff are on hand to provide assistance.

Overall, the airport strives to provide excellent passenger services to ensure a smooth and enjoyable travel experience for all passengers.

Flight Status Info

As an air traveler, it's important to stay updated on the status of your flight. Fortunately, there are several ways to get flight status information at East Midlands Airport.

One option is to use the in-airport flight displays (FIDS), which provide real-time updates on flight departures, delays, and gate information. These displays can be found throughout the airport, including in the departure lounge and near the check-in desks.

Passengers can also be alerted about departure delays, cancellations, or gate changes via the use of airline mobile phone apps. Many airlines have their own apps that allow passengers to receive push notifications about their flight status. Alternatively, passengers can sign up for text or email alerts through their airline's website.

Another option is to check the status of your flight departure at East Midlands Airport by visiting the flight departures page on ifly.com. This website provides real-time updates on flight departures, delays, and gate information, making it a reliable source for air travelers.

By utilizing these resources, air travelers can stay informed about their flight status and avoid any potential delays or disruptions to their travel plans.

Passengers can check the status of their flight departure at EMA by visiting the flight departures page on ifly.com, which provides real-time updates on flight departures, delays, and gate information.

Helpful Tips

When to Arrive

It is recommended that passengers arrive at East Midlands Airport at least 2 hours prior to their scheduled departure time for domestic flights and 3 hours prior for international flights. The busiest times at the airport are typically during the early morning and late afternoon, so it is best to avoid these times if possible to minimize wait times at security and check-in.

Getting to the Airport

EMA is easily accessible by car, bus, and train. If driving, the airport is located just off the M1 motorway and offers a variety of parking options, including short-term, long-term, and meet and greet parking. For those taking public transportation, there are several bus routes that serve the airport, including the Skylink bus service that connects the airport to nearby cities like Nottingham, Derby, and Leicester. Additionally, there is a train station located just a short shuttle bus ride away from the airport.

Getting Oriented

Upon arrival at EMA Airport, passengers can use the interactive airport maps available on iFly.com to quickly and easily navigate the airport. These maps provide detailed information about the airport's layout, including the location of check-in desks, security checkpoints, and airport amenities like restaurants and shops. Additionally, there are information desks located throughout the airport where passengers can ask for assistance if needed.

Avoiding Delays

To avoid delays at the airport, it is important to arrive at the airport with plenty of time to spare, especially during peak travel times. Additionally, passengers should ensure that they have all necessary travel documents, such as passports and boarding passes, readily available and easily accessible. It is also recommended that passengers pack their carry-on bags in a way that allows for quick and easy screening at security checkpoints. Finally, passengers should regularly check their flight status for any updates or changes that may affect their travel plans.

Airport Facts & Stats

EMA Airport is an international airport located in the United Kingdom, serving the East Midlands region of England. The airport is situated in Leicestershire, approximately 18 miles from Nottingham, Derby, and Leicester.

EMA has one terminal building, which is split into two floors. The ground floor is dedicated to arrivals, while the first floor is used for departures.

The airport is served by a number of airlines, with the top five airlines in terms of daily flights being Ryanair, Jet2.com, TUI Airways, UPS Airlines, and DHL Aviation. On average, the airport handles around 10,000 passengers per day, with an average of 100 daily flights.

EMA serves a range of destinations, with over 90 destinations served on average. The top five destinations served from EMA are Palma de Mallorca, Alicante, Malaga, Belfast International, and Amsterdam.

Several airlines use EMA as a hub, including UPS Airlines and DHL Aviation, which operate cargo services from the airport.

Airport History

The airport is an international airport located in the East Midlands region of England. It was first opened in 1965 as a Royal Air Force station, but was later converted into a commercial airport in 1966. Since then, it has undergone several changes and developments to become the airport it is today.

Significant events in the airport's history include:
  • 1965 - East Midlands Airport is opened as a Royal Air Force station
  • 1966 - The airport is converted into a commercial airport
  • 1985 - The terminal building is expanded to accommodate more passengers
  • 1993 - The airport is privatized and sold to the National Express Group
  • 2004 - A new runway is constructed to accommodate larger aircraft
  • 2009 - The airport is sold to the Manchester Airports Group
  • 2010 - The airport's name is changed from Nottingham East Midlands Airport to EMA
  • 2013 - A new terminal building is opened to replace the old one
  • 2018 - The airport celebrates its 50th anniversary
Today, EMA Airport serves over 4 million passengers annually and offers flights to over 80 destinations worldwide. It continues to be an important hub for both leisure and business travelers in the East Midlands region of England.

Airport Contact Information

For more information about East Midlands Airport, please refer to the following contact details:

  • IATA Code: EMA
  • Airport Website
  • Phone: +44 (0)871 919 9000
  • Email: [email protected]
  • Mailing Address: East Midlands Airport, Castle Donington, Derby, DE74 2SA, United Kingdom

Note that the contact information provided here is subject to change by the airport operator(s).

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