East Midlands Airport has been identified as having one of the fastest security check-in experiences in the UK, with nearly all passengers clearing security in under 15 minutes, according to new research. The airport, serving Derby, Nottingham, and Leicester, has undergone significant improvements in recent years, including a revamped immigration hall, clearer signage, and a new lost property hub. However, it is the speed of its security process that keeps travelers returning.
Next-Generation Scanners Speed Up Security
The airport's security hall has been completely revamped with 'next-generation scanners' that have accelerated the procedure considerably. This has resulted in 99.7% of passengers completing pre-flight checks in under 15 minutes. The compact and straightforward layout also reduces hold-ups compared with major London airports.
Impressive Punctuality Record
East Midlands Airport recorded the fourth lowest total delays among all UK airports last year, with an average hold-up of just 11 minutes and 48 seconds. This punctuality remains consistent even during the busiest early morning wave of departures, with a 90.4% 'On Time Performance' rating for outbound flights.
Mike Grimes, the airport's Customer Services and Planning Director, said: "These fantastic scores show just how strongly our customers value the effortless experience we provide when they travel through East Midlands Airport. By all measures we have improved on the previous year and are consistently performing way above our targets. I'm really proud of all our dedicated staff who make this happen day in day out, from first impressions landside to the final moments in the terminal, whether supporting customers face-to-face or working behind the scenes. I hope that friends and family listen to the 71% of our customers who recommend us and also choose East Midlands as their easy way to get away."
Limited Shopping and Dining Options
However, for travelers who enjoy arriving early to make the most of the full airport experience, including shopping and dining, East Midlands Airport does not match up to its competitors. The terminal is relatively compact, offering a handful of restaurants and cafés, a WHSmith, JD Sports, and Accessorize, alongside the duty-free area, but it may not be sufficient to keep passengers occupied for several hours.
